"Future of AM" Roundtable Marks National Manufacturing Day

What will the future of additive manufacturing (AM) look like? How will it differ from the current landscape?

A roundtable discussion recently hosted by Desktop Metal addresses these questions. Organized in part to celebrate National Manufacturing Day, the discussion was moderated by Terry Wohlers and included Ric Fulop, CEO, Desktop Metal; Ken Washington, CTO, Ford; and Prof. John Hart, MIT professor for additive manufacturing. 

Here are a few trends these panelists see on AM’s horizon:

• Artificial intelligence (AI) and data-driven design for additive manufacturing (DFAM) will lead to the advent of better products. 
• Expanding material options and improving properties will open a greater variety of applications, as 3D printing technology simultaneously advances.
• More production applications for 3D printing, including mass customization, will arise as a result of faster printers and lower cost 3D printing. 
• Workforce development will include formal education and training as well as hobbyist 3D printing, which will help bring AM into the mainstream and expand the pool of future talent.

Watch the full discussion in the video below.