Additive manufacturing (AM) offers significant flexibility in design and production, yet scaling the technology from prototype to production requires more than machine capability. Organizations must evaluate when AM delivers measurable value through economic performance, repeatability, and operational impact.
This presentation introduces a practical framework for evaluating AM adoption within consumer product applications. Using representative industry case studies—including lattice footwear midsoles, 3D-printed optical lenses, on-demand lighting, and customized jewelry—the session examines how digital workflows, design-for-AM (DfAM), and process standardization support consistent product quality while enabling scalable production.
The presentation also addresses several common misconceptions surrounding additive manufacturing adoption, including assumptions about automatic cost reduction, supply chain elimination, and the idea that “complexity is free.” In practice, successful implementations often integrate additive manufacturing with traditional processes while applying consistent metrics to evaluate performance.
Attendees will learn how to assess additive manufacturing opportunities using benchmarks such as cost-per-part, tooling avoidance, lead-time reduction, and repeatability. These metrics provide a structured approach to determining when additive manufacturing delivers real operational value and when conventional manufacturing methods remain the better solution.
Learning Objectives:
Define key economic and safety metrics used to justify additive manufacturing adoption within consumer product applications.
Describe methods to standardize and measure repeatability across additive manufacturing workflows to reduce rework and variability.
Demonstrate how localization and digital workforce strategies can improve safety conditions, strengthen U.S. supply chains, and support domestic job creation.
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