The Digital Transformation of Logistics

Currently the AM technologies – stereolithography, fused deposition modeling, and selective laser sintering – are mainly employed. Used materials are polymers and composites, metals and alloys, and ceramics.

AM is predicted to affect production processes and the whole economy, but opinions vary to what extent.

Application scenarios for AM are especially in the production of products with highly complex shapes, spare parts, products in short supply, tools, and parts that are developed through a generative design process.

The global AM market reached 9.8 billion USD in 2018 and is expected to further grow considerably.

With the maturing of the technology, companies in the future might have to decide whether they are competing based on economies of scale (low cost and high volumes) or economies of one (end‐user customization).

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