How Additive Manufacturing Mitigates Supply Chain Insecurities in Aerospace

In recent times, the entire world has suffered from Supply Chain difficulties, in terms of shipments and deliveries of food, medicine and equipment. In manufacturing, Supply Chain issues have resulted in delays due to lack of materials and parts as well as lack of skilled labor. It is reassuring however, to know that Additive Manufacturing and Laser AM in particular, has a counterpoint for these difficulties. 3D Printing by Laser Powder Bed Fusion and/or Laser DED are ideal processes for manufacturing near or at the point of End Use. A significant leadtime advantage can be achieved as well as a reduced carbon footprint, which also makes financial sense as well as decreasing waste.