Why 3D printing will redefine the chemical companies industry

As demand for polymers and other materials is likely to surge, new business models and opportunities are expected to emerge within a few years.

Every industry wants to find a quick winner in cost cutting. Because of this, 3D printing shows the great prospect of the chemical industry.

"Cost reduction is huge, especially in parts," says Frank Jenner, chemical industry leader at ey advisory in Germany, Switzerland and Austria "What it means to take costs out of the supply chain is not yet predictable. In this regard, it will even have an impact on the economy and society. It's huge. "

Ey asked more than 900 companies around the world this question: "how does 3D printing make your company the strongest link in the value chain?" Frank said: "it is increasingly believed that this technology will have more and more applications in the next one to five years, such as direct printing materials in product design."

Chemical companies are working with established 3D printing companies to develop and import materials to deal with this problem. "I think it's possible for chemicals to dig deep," Frank said "If you can produce lightweight polymers to replace any metal, that's a huge advantage."

According to frank, customization demand is driving the industry in the right direction, and 3D printing, through cooperation with tool manufacturers, provides an opportunity to combine new business and operation mode.

"Everyone is professional," Frank said. "Let's assume that printer manufacturers want to sell printers and materials. It's a win-win situation. The chemical industry needs to position itself as a leader in this field, not just as a tool manufacturer. "

Frank is optimistic about the next chapter of the chemical company's 3D printing. "The growth rate of 3D printing in the past 10 years has been amazing," he said. "The market is exploding. Despite predictions that manufacturing will invest heavily in 3D printing capabilities in the next five years, I would like to say that by 2020 or later, we will be sitting here again, realizing that our strong predictions are even too short. "

Frank continued: "in the future, we will see more commercialization. Our service providers will operate large 3D printing farms in airports, railway stations and networks." "Spare parts are immediately used in maintenance stations in the chemical company itself. We will see companies or third-party service providers do it themselves, and they are becoming more and more professional in this direction.

Article source: https://article-realm.com/article/Business/10043-Why-3D-printing-will-redefine-the-chemical-companies-industry.html