3D Printers and 3D Printing
There were about 300 companies around the world producing and selling industrial additive manufacturing (AM) systems in 2018, up from a total of 150 in 2017. New system manufacturers are entering the AM market at a dizzying pace while releasing machines with open material platforms, faster printing speeds, and lower pricing. 3D printing technology decreases production time by about 60-70% and reduces costs by 70-80%.
While 3D printing has been possible since the 1980s, it has primarily been used for large scale industrial purposes. However, in recent years, 3D printers have become much cheaper, and are now also available to the consumer market.
Furthermore, they are produced to stock, and not only to order. Such serial manufacturing requires a production planning system that is suitable for complex electronic devices, which a 3D printer is.
Success stories
Cumberland Additive
Cumberland Additive from Texas, USA, provides engineering services in additive manufacturing production using Powder Bed Fusion technology in titanium, nickel, and advanced polymers.
MRPeasy is used as a full-suite MRP for all manufacturing, stock, logistics and customer relationship management operations.
Formalloy
Formalloy from California, USA, produces additive manufacturing systems and products.
Formalloy uses MRPeasy for production planning, stock control, and supply chain management.
IC3D Printers
IC3D Printers from Ohio, USA, are one of the first producers of filaments for 3D printers.
IC3D uses MRPeasy for production planning, stock control, and customer relations management.