How Long Before?
By Mark Inboden
I just read an article in Manufacturing Engineering Magazine about the world’s first 3-D printed jet engine. If that doesn’t get you wondering about the endless possibilities that advances in technology will bring, you are probably still adjusting the “rabbit ears” on your television.
Mark Inboden
After reading the article, I started thinking “How long before our vendors start printing parts?” Even though the cost-effectiveness of this technology is years away, at some point, vendors will be able to queue up your order locally, and print your parts. Factory lead times will go to the wayside, as parts will be produced locally. Inventories will be minimized to just raw materials as parts are printed on demand. Eventually, it will be cost-effective to print your own parts!
One can start to imagine these type of advances having an impact on business, and we are already thinking about it today. We are taking the steps to embrace tomorrow, today, as tomorrow is closer than you think.
Mark is President and CEO of UCEC.