Lecture Notes: How 3D Printing and MaaS Tackles Tariff Issues and Cuts Costs

Introduction to Tariff Issues

• President Trump's Policy:
  • Initiative to make America a manufacturing nation again.
  • Proposal of tariffs including a 25% increase on imports from Canada and Mexico, and a 10% increase on imports from China.
  • Mixed projections on economic impact: Potential for increased inflation vs. increased household income and job creation in manufacturing.

Strategies for Manufacturers

• Nearshoring and Reshoring:
  • Use of both additive and traditional manufacturing services.
  • Importance of scrutinizing and possibly changing suppliers to reduce costs.
  • Considerations for diversifying supplier networks and increasing automation.
• Local Manufacturing Advantages:
  • Local providers like A3D help bypass issues related to tariffs.

Expert Opinions

• Jeremy Tancredi:
  • Advice to examine tier 2 and tier 3 suppliers for less direct tariff impact.
• Alex Monino:
  • Positive view on nearshoring and onshoring due to additive manufacturing's advantages.
  • Reiterates traditional and additive manufacturing's role in bringing jobs back to local communities.

Benefits of Manufacturing as a Service (MaaS)

• Cost Savings and Flexibility:
  • On-demand production reduces shipping, transportation costs, and carbon emissions.
• Versatility:
  • Access to high-performance machines and varied manufacturing processes including 3D printing, CNC machining, etc.
• Inventory Control:
  • Ability to eliminate large inventories by producing on-demand.
• Cost Prediction:
  • Obtain online part quotes for cost estimation.

A3D Manufacturing Services

• Local and Connected:
  • Based in Phoenix, Arizona with a strong network in North America.
  • Certified partner with HP and compliant with ITAR, AS9100, and ISO 9001:2015.
• Versatile Services:
  • Offers CNC machining, injection molding, 3D printing, and 3D scanning.
• Quality and Speed:
  • High-performance, high-quality parts provided fast.

Conclusion

• Encouragement to reach out to A3D Manufacturing for traditional and on-demand manufacturing services.