S3-E19 3D Printing, Is it the Key to Making Manufacturing in America Grow Again?

3/24/15 – 3D Printing has been around for more than 25 years, but how is it being used in manufacturing? How can it be used? Special Guest Terry Wohlers, President of Wohlers Associates Inc. joins us at MFG Talk Radio to discuss new developments and trends in rapid product development and additive manufacturing. In their 28 year history, the Colorado-based independent consulting firm has provided advice to 150 companies in the investment community, most being institutional investors that represent mutual funds, hedge funds, and private equity valued at billions of dollars. In addition to these companies, Wohlers Associates’ past work has involved over 240 client organizations in 24 countries around the world.

Rick Lucas, Chief Technology Officer at ExOne will be on hand to talk about two areas where 3D Printing is currently useful: R&D rapid prototyping and replacement parts. Gain a sense of when/if 3D Printing will become a production line volume technology or will it be limited to R&D and replacement parts. 3D Printing will impact manufacturing in many ways – learn how it might evolve in your shop.