How 3D Printing May Change Your Manufacturing Process

The Forbes CIO Summit in Half Moon Bay, CA is nearly here. Every year Forbes brings together the world’s top thought leaders, policy makers, innovators, and experts in the landscape of contemporary business. The annual two-day conference features panel discussions, one-on-one’s, and unique networking opportunities that immerse each participant within the highest level of intellectual discourse in the industry.

Last year’s event, “Leading the Next Industrial Revolution,” covered how new technologies may alter your manufacturing process in the years to come. Based upon the ideas that came out of 2015's conference, we are excited to see what comes of this year's installation.

Lessons from Yesteryear

One topic, in particular, created a buzz that kept the conversation going throughout the Summit: 3D printing. This process, also known as additive manufacturing, uses digital 3-Dimensional design data to deposit materials in component layers. 3D printing is very unlike more traditional subtractive manufacturing process in which a component is constructed by removing excess matter from larger raw materials.

This method of construction, most popular with hobbyists until recently, has now taken root in the manufacturing industry. Moreover, we are already witnessing the impact of additive manufacturing. According to panelists, 3D printing promises to make great strides in the industry as these printers begin to incorporate different materials or create new materials altogether.

Collaboration Across Disciplines

Collaboration on both a micro and macro level was another consistent theme at last year’s conference. The printing of new materials through additive manufacturing calls for coordination across the entire supply chain to ensure production meets the concept and operational requirements. Jamie Miller, CIO of GE for example, discussed the company's pilot program to integrate these new technologies into production. To marry innovation with this new technology, GE, in turn, built multidisciplinary teams around particular manufacturing cells. This structure gives the best minds within each discipline the freedom to develop enhanced or new products.

Furthermore, Jordan Brandt of Autodesk presented the idea of hyper-locality during a panel discussion. Under the umbrella of this design software, 3D printers can create products based upon a localized need. The additive manufacturing process enables manufacturers to personalize their products. Functioning under the trifecta of software, hardware, and materials, the integration of 3D printing allows the art to part manufacturing process to come to fruition.

This Year's Focus

Last year's subject matter was so relevant and engaging that we eagerly await the results of 2016's installation. This year, the conference will focus on how technology has permeated all levels of operations and keeps enterprises agile. We're particularly looking forward to hearing more from the panel on getting closer to the customer, which addresses insights that can be directly gained from the market.

Have you been keeping up with summits in previous years? What are you hoping to see this year? Let us know in the Comment section, below.