To compete in a global economy, manufacturers are forced to move towards\nlow volume production of innovative and customized products with high\nadded value. Three-dimensional printing, also known as additive manufacturing\n(AM) or rapid prototyping enables and facilitates production of\nmoderate to mass quantities of products that can be individually customized.\nThe technology is truly innovative with endless product design possibilities\nand potential to enhance global supply chain capabilities. The\ntechnology improves efficiencies of the entire supply chain, from the cost of\ndistribution to assembly and carry, all the way to the component itself. This\narticle reviews evolution of new supply chain models, examines some of the\npotential benefits of AM in challenging traditional manufacturing constraints,\nexplores its impact on the traditional and global supply chain and\nlogistics, and investigates its transformative potential and its impact on various\nindustry segments.
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