During its global Innovation Summit, HP and members of its global community of partners and customers, along with industry experts, demonstrated the value of digital manufacturing in transforming various industrial sectors. The event was based on an HP study that showcases digital manufacturing technologies and trends and their impact on the economy in the coming years.

This study, which surveyed thousands of manufacturing industry executives worldwide, clearly shows how companies are increasingly investing in advanced 3D printing solutions that provide the agility, speed, and flexibility needed to conduct business and become more resilient in a constantly changing environment.

One of the key strengths of the global manufacturing industry is that, regardless of sector or location, companies view 3D printing as a key asset for strengthening their supply chains, streamlining their production capacity, and creating more innovative product development and manufacturing strategies. This is reflected in the increase in investment in 3D printing, in the industry’s perception that it is now a viable alternative to traditional manufacturing, and in the desire to establish collaborative relationships between ecosystem members to drive its adoption.

Manufacturing decision-makers also see a clear opportunity to accelerate innovation, recognizing that 3D printing is the perfect solution for mass-produced customization of new products, while reducing manufacturing waste and fostering a more sustainable economy.

“The global manufacturing sector is clearly driven by a desire to repurpose and transform supply chain efficiency models, providing greater manufacturing flexibility, increasing the speed of innovation, and fostering environmental sustainability,” said Ramón Pastor, General Manager of HP 3D Printing & Digital Manufacturing. “Industrial 3D printing is now perceived not only as a way to reduce costs and get to market faster, but also as a unique competitive advantage capable of accelerating innovation for customers.”

Highlights from the HP Digital Manufacturing Trends Report include (European data):

Digital manufacturing technologies are accelerating economic advancement and streamlining production processes.

98% of European respondents believe that digital manufacturing technologies will drive economic growth.

86% of European respondents are looking to evolve their business models due to the current business environment.
Nearly two-thirds of European respondents indicated they will invest in digital manufacturing technologies in the next 12 months, and more than four in five expected an increase in investment in additive manufacturing/printing.
Nearly three-quarters of respondents said that additive manufacturing/3D printing helps their company become more agile, is a viable alternative to traditional manufacturing, and supports manufacturing.
Ninety-six percent stated they are investigating new production/supply chain models, 54% are studying hybrid models, and 51% are investigating production.
Accelerated innovation is transforming industries.

The most cited benefits of using additive manufacturing/3D printing by European respondents are reduced costs and increased innovation capacity. New areas of innovation that companies are exploring include mass customization of direct-to-consumer products, on-demand production, and digital warehousing/inventory.
In particular, 90% of European respondents want to explore the innovation offered by mass customization and believe it could be applicable to their business if parts could be customized through 3D printing or manufacturing.
Medical, industrial, and automotive industries were named as the industries most poised for innovation in additive manufacturing and 3D printing over the next five years.
Finding New Opportunities for Collaboration

95% of European respondents indicated that cross-sector collaboration is essential to adopt new digital manufacturing technologies.
77% indicated that their company has future plans to collaborate with government entities on product manufacturing.
The main obstacle for European respondents to enter the additive manufacturing and 3D printing space is finding labor.
To address this skills gap, 60% want companies, governments, institutions, and citizens to work together to invest in education and training programs.
About the HP Digital Manufacturing Report

The HP Digital Manufacturing Report is a global study by HP Inc. It was conducted by SME Media/Research across three continents and nine geographic areas, including Canada, China, France, Germany, Japan, Mexico, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Fieldwork was conducted from July 28 to August 11, 2020, among 2,175 3D printing decision-makers. and digital manufacturing.

Link to the HP press room: https://press.hp.com/us/en/press-kits/2020/2020-innovation-summit.html