← Knowledge Base
/////3D Printing, Additive Manufacturing, and Smart Factories

Is 3D printing already replacing factories?

Quietly, yes. Protolabs and Xometry: upload a file, get the part in days, the Amazon of manufacturing. Adidas and Nike print shoes, the Summitz factory builds them with 3 robot arms and almost no hands. Bambu Lab sells 3D-printable toys with programmable electronics to your kids.

Winning foresight? Unlock our Secret Vault.

Foresight is better shared. Pass it on.

Answered by · independent futurist · 84% Prediction Accuracy Rate

Read the related blog posts

Mindset-as-a-Service | Math Man Magazine | November 2025

2 related prediction cards

3D PRINTING DEMOLISHES 40% OF MANUFACTURING AND TRADE.MAX VERSTAPPEN AND IGOR: 3D PRINTING POWERS F1 AND BUSINESS BY 2025.

More FAQs about 3D Printing, Additive Manufacturing, and Smart Factories

What is the future of 3D printing?Could 3D printing reshape global trade?What is the factory of the future?How much manufacturing does 3D printing disrupt by 2040?Did anyone else make the 40% 3D printing call?Is 3D printing too slow for mass production?

Your question not here? Ask Igor. 2 questions, unlimited for Misfits.

Ask Igor
614 questions answered← Knowledge Base