HP Innovation Journal Issue 11: Winter 2018 | Page 20

THE IMPACT OF 3D PRINTING
3D printing is more than just the latest
technology. It will disrupt virtually every part of
the global $12 trillion manufacturing industry.
It will shorten supply chains, reduce carbon emissions,
and eliminate production waste and inventory. It brings
exponential change that will transition the workforce to
higher-value fields and will deliver cost-effective, quality
mass personalization for everyone, everywhere.
For instance, in the field of orthotics, a high degree of
customization is essential to develop products that help
treat musculoskeletal abnormalities, reduce discomfort,
and improve posture. Brisbane-based iOrthotics was one of
the first orthotics manufacturers in the world to completely
transition to 3D additive manufacturing. Using HP’s 3D
printing technology enabled them to develop superior-quality
products faster and with almost zero waste. As a result,
iOrthotics has significantly increased its production levels
and is on the way to more than doubling its reach while also
exporting its products overseas.
More than anywhere else in the world, Asia-Pacific offers the
opportunity and the demand to make 3D printing a reality
for greater impact across society. The Fourth Industrial
Revolution is not a remote vision; it is here, and our region is
at the center of it.
1. https://en.unesco.org/unesco_science_report/asia
2. https://www.imf.org/en/Publications/REO/APAC/Issues/2018/04/16/
areo0509
3. https://3dprintingindustry.com/news/3d-printing-next-five-years-tim-
weber-global-head-3d-printing-hp-113255/
4. https://www.imf.org/en/Publications/REO/APAC/Issues/2018/04/16/
areo0509
5. https://www.adb.org/sites/default/files/publication/28608/asia2050-
executive-summary.pdf
6. https://www.weforum.org/press/2016/01/100-trillion-by-2025-the-
digital-dividend-for-society-and-business/
7. https://www.atkearney.com/operations-performance-transformation/
article?/a/3d-printing-disrupting-the-12-trillion-manufacturing-sector
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HP Innovation Journal Issue 11