Recent global disruptions and conflicts, from Covid-19 to the situation in the Ukraine, have underscored the critical importance of robust manufacturing capabilities and resilient supply chains. The ability to rapidly produce essential equipment (military and civilian), especially in times of conflict, can be the decisive factor in determining the outcome of a war. Specifically, these events exposed a concerning weakness in the United States: a significant decline in manufacturing capacity coupled with an alarming dependence on foreign suppliers, including China, for critical civilian and defense components alike. Amidst these challenges, additive manufacturing, once confined to prototyping and niche applications, has emerged as a powerful force, enabling the rapid production of complex components and enhancing supply chain flexibility. AM has been put to the test in the last year and has been growing in importance when it comes to re-building the USA manufacturing base and fortifying the supply chain.
Pour en savoir plus : How additive manufacturing is helping re-build the supply chain and secure national interests