Desktop Metal, Inc. announced its support and commitment for the Biden Administration’s Additive Manufacturing Forward (AM Forward) initiative aimed at strengthening U.S. supply chains by supporting the adoption of additive manufacturing (AM), or industrial 3D printing, among small- and medium-sized manufacturers.

As a global industry leader in AM, Desktop Metal’s mission is to help make AM 2.0 technology accessible to companies of all sizes so they can produce more advanced parts and products faster, while also producing more sustainably and closer to the point of end-use.

Ric Fulop, Co-founder and CEO of Desktop Metal, said the time is right for the AM Forward initiative.

“Additive manufacturing has long held the potential to de-risk supply chains and enable new innovations. With manufacturing reshoring already accelerating as a result of the historic supply chain disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the AM Forward initiative is a timely and progressive approach to modernizing our nation’s outdated manufacturing infrastructure with cutting-edge technologies that will help ensure that the work stays here for the long term.

“At Desktop Metal, we are committed to making additive manufacturing accessible to companies of all sizes in terms of speed, cost, and material availability. One of the key benefits of 3D printing is supporting localized manufacturing that reduces reliance on global supply chains. Parts can be stored as digital files and easily sent around the world to be downloaded and printed as needed. By allowing manufacturers to quickly produce parts when and where needed, the need for global shipping, large inventories and overproduction is greatly reduced. Additive manufacturing is the modern manufacturing technology of the future, and it’s the right time for American industry to support this transition to the next era of production.”

AM-enabled supply chain resilience

Adoption of 3D printing is already improving industrial competitiveness among a number of businesses across a variety of industries.

U.S. foundries, for example, are adopting AM to deal with a surge in demand. Following years of contraction, the U.S. metal casting industry is experiencing growth as a result of supply chain changes related to the COVID-19 pandemic. A recent survey released by the American Foundry Society shows that 90% of responding North American foundries anticipate making capital investments in the next 12 months, including industrial 3D printers.

“We look forward to partnering with the Biden Administration, ASTRO America, America Makes, and all those working together to transform manufacturing in the U.S. through AM Forward,” Fulop said.

Desktop Metal