3D printing is a catalyst for efficiency. Giving staff from production engineers to machinists the tools to tighten supply chains, improve production planning, and produce lighter or higher-performing and potentially cheaper parts when compared to some traditional manufacturing methods. However, since the fundamental technology behind additive manufacturing is very different to that of injection molding and machining, for example, a number of factors need to be considered when designing a part fully optimized for the additive manufacturing process.

