The Value of AM
Why AM Matters
Additive manufacturing (AM) is no longer an emerging technology reserved for initial prototypes. Industrial 3D printing is a mature production capability that transforms how high-performing companies engineer, produce, and supply end-use parts.
By shifting from traditional subtractive methods to layered digital fabrication, organizations achieve operational agility, overcome design constraints, and build resilient supply chains designed for the future.
Strategic Benefits
Integrating additive manufacturing into your production ecosystem unlocks strategic advantages across every stage of the product lifecycle—from initial concept to long-term aftermarket support.
-
Traditional manufacturing forces compromise due to tool access and machining constraints. AM unlocks organic geometries, internal conformal cooling channels, and complex lattice structures that optimize strength-to-weight ratios.
Impact: Achieve topology optimization and part consolidation that combines multi-piece welded assemblies into single, high-integrity components.
-
Shift from centralized, inventory-heavy warehousing to a digital file inventory. Print certified, end-use parts locally and on-demand near the point of use.
Impact: Eliminate long-distance freight, lower holding costs, and achieve faster turnaround times for critical components.
-
Mitigate volatile global supply networks and long lead times for specialized castings or forgings.
Impact: Maintain production continuity. Produce critical tooling, spare parts, and low-to-mid volume end-use hardware on demand.
-
Produce customized or patient-matched parts without the financial penalty of re-tooling.
Impact: Deliver patient-specific medical implants, ergonomic tooling, and customized aerospace components without unit cost increases.
-
Compress development timelines from months to days. Rapidly iterate, test, and deploy functional end-use parts directly from CAD data.
Impact: Beat competitors to market with refined, market-tested products and eliminate traditional tooling lead times.
-
AM is an inherently additive process that uses only the raw material required to build the part.
Impact: Dramatically reduce buy-to-fly material waste compared to subtractive machining, while lightweight designs reduce energy consumption during product operation.
Join the Conversation
As we work to accomplish our initiatives, we ask that you join the conversation. Provide insights and get the latest developments for AM adoption.
AM I Navigator
The Manual for Industrial Additive Manufacturing Framework
The AM I Navigator is a comprehensive and widely recognized maturity model that outlines the key stages of industrialized Additive Manufacturing (AM). It offers companies a structured and proven framework to successfully implement their AM strategies by applying targeted measures aligned with each stage of maturity.
America Makes
Advancing the Technology. Growing the Workforce. Expanding the Industrial Base.
America Makes is the nation’s leading public-private partnership for additive manufacturing technology and education. Our members from industry, academia, government, and workforce and economic development organizations work together to accelerate the adoption of additive manufacturing and the nation’s global manufacturing competitiveness.
