3D printing - technology of the future?

Among innovations and new technologies, the logistics industry has long been waiting for a breakthrough—something as transformative as the invention of the wheel or the first combustion engine. While goods have been transported across the world for centuries, the past 50 years have seen few innovations that truly redefine the industry. The future of logistics appears promising—it’s difficult to imagine a global economy without the movement of physical goods. But is that truly the case?

For centuries, humanity has sought faster ways to transport goods, even dreaming of teleportation—an idea popularized in science fiction. Yet, it may not be teleportation but rather 3D printing that revolutionizes supply chains worldwide and reshapes the future of logistics.  

3D printing enables the creation of products layer by layer from a digital design, allowing for rapid prototyping and the production of highly customized, small-batch items without large-scale manufacturing. The most common types of 3D printing today include FDM/FFF (thermoplastics), SLA/DLP (resin-based printing hardened by light), and SLS/DMLS (powder-based printing with gypsum or metal). Analysts predict explosive growth in this sector—A.T. Kearney estimated the market would reach $17.2 billion by 2020 and $26 billion by 2021, while McKinsey projects a value of $100–250 billion by 2025.  

This technology is already reshaping production across industries. Companies like Adidas and startups such as SOLS, Feetz, and 3dshoes are leveraging 3D printing to create customized footwear. Mercedes has successfully printed small batches of metal and plastic replacement parts for older truck and passenger car models, reducing inventory and transport costs.  

In aviation, Airbus and Boeing use 3D printing for aircraft components, cutting waste and saving $2–3 million per aircraft. Meanwhile, Amazon is exploring mobile 3D printing units to produce goods during transit, minimizing storage and shipping expenses. Logistics providers like DHL have experimented with on-demand printing instead of warehousing, while UPS has integrated 3D printing into 60 locations, some near air hubs, to reduce lead times and support customized manufacturing.  

These developments suggest several major shifts in logistics:  

• Reduced storage of finished goods in regional warehouses and a rise in small, local short-term storage facilities
• A decline in long-distance transport (imports/exports) and customs operations, with increased demand for local, small-scale deliveries
• A surge in the variety of products shipped due to customization
• Greater demand for value-added services, such as assembling locally printed components with imported parts
• Increased transport and storage of 3D printing materials like thermoplastics, photopolymers (ADR), and specialized powders  

While challenges remain, 3D printing is set to transform logistics by making production more flexible, local, and efficient—reshaping supply chains as we know them.