{"id":42392,"date":"2022-03-03T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-03-03T13:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.shapeways.com\/blog\/?p=42392"},"modified":"2023-03-16T12:28:09","modified_gmt":"2023-03-16T16:28:09","slug":"3d-print-on-demand-to-fend-off-supply-chain-and-warehouse-woes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.shapeways.com\/blog\/3d-print-on-demand-to-fend-off-supply-chain-and-warehouse-woes","title":{"rendered":"3D Print On-Demand to Fend off Supply Chain and Warehouse Woes"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Continually expanding as a tool in contemporary manufacturing, 3D printing is also now leveraged as a defense against more serious, global matters like supply chain issues. Speed and the ability to customize intensively reign as the top benefits offered via additive manufacturing (AM) at any time but especially now\u2013providing the means to make bespoke products with no machining, little to no lead time, and iterate or make changes as needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nearly everyone is being affected by supply chain issues, from obtaining even surprisingly small and inconsequential products to very necessary items on a larger scale. On-demand manufacturing is an advantage that is built into 3D printing technology, offering businesses the opportunity not only to eliminate supply chain problems\u2013but take ordering and production to the next level with streamlined automation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Many Businesses are Stretched to the Limit with Production Challenges<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Supply chain challenges have been jarring for customers, manufacturers, and everyone in between. Rather than humming along smoothly on all cylinders as in the past, an ever-growing number of businesses and consumers are being adversely affected like never before\u2013and in nearly every application\u2013from basic household products to automobiles and necessary parts, and critical supplies for facilities like hospitals. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the midst of these struggles, however, a new and unexpected dynamic is also in play as more<\/p>\n\n\n\n

consumers than ever have cash to spend, and they are doing so copiously. Unfortunately, with a supply chain process that is currently fragmented, and interrupted at many points, frustration ensues when products don\u2019t arrive as expected or at all. Even as factories overseas continue to try and increase production, there may be breakdowns in both communication and timely deliveries from middlemen. Further, even products that have been manufactured and are ready for delivery are lost in the mix due to overwhelming traffic at ports and at shipping docks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Disrupted times call for disruptive solutions, with 3D printing leading the way. Although many Shapeways customers have been engaged in on-demand 3D printing<\/a> for years already, the current supply chain issue now highlights the ease in which businesses can circumvent such problems. While some companies may now want to use 3D printing as a stop-gap measure to manufacture and deliver products more quickly and efficiently, others may change production methods radically upon having their eyes opened to the myriad, positive effects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Eliminating Stress Over Warehouse Scarcity and Other Positive 3D Printing Impacts<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Conversely, for those who are able to get products, warehouse space is now challenging to find in many areas; in fact, businesses with bigger pockets are purchasing warehousing sites before they are even built. For those who aren\u2019t so lucky and are attempting to take possession of large quantities of merchandise, they may struggle to keep product from being left to sit on the shipping dock indefinitely. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

3D printing can offer a quick fix for many companies worried about getting products to their customers faster. On-demand 3D printing allows for rapid manufacturing of customized parts, as well as production in local areas rather than depending on products from overseas that are still being delayed due to supply chain issues. With Shapeways, products can be 3D printed quickly and delivered in customized packaging to manufacturers or their own customers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other major advantages include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n