For over a decade, low interest rates made it relatively easy for manufacturers to justify capital investments in additive manufacturing (AM). Those assumptions have changed. Today’s financial environment demands a new level of rigor when evaluating whether to buy, lease, or outsource production capacity.
In this presentation, Fathom Manufacturing explores how the shift from a near-zero interest rate policy to today’s high-rate environment is reshaping AM investment strategies. Through the lens of corporate finance, Michael Rosplock breaks down how rising hurdle rates, weighted average cost of capital (WACC), and project risk premiums directly influence capital justification for additive systems.
Drawing from Fathom’s cross-industry experience, spanning aerospace, defense, healthcare, and consumer products, the session examines when it makes sense to own versus partner, and how hybrid models can balance flexibility, cost, and risk. The discussion goes beyond spreadsheets to address organizational dynamics: how engineering, finance, and executive teams interpret value differently, and how those perspectives shape “make vs. buy” outcomes.
Attendees will gain actionable strategies to strengthen their investment cases, reduce project risk, and align AM initiatives with broader corporate objectives. The session concludes with a financial playbook for 2026 and beyond, helping manufacturers de-risk innovation while preserving agility in an uncertain capital environment.
Learning Objectives:
Understand how rising interest rates and capital costs are influencing additive manufacturing investment decisions.
Learn to apply financial metrics (WACC, IRR, hurdle rate) when evaluating AM projects.
Identify when outsourcing, leasing, or hybrid models create stronger business cases.Navigate organizational factors that affect AM decision-making and project approval.
