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Sara Wickstrom
June 13, 2025Additive manufacturing is revolutionizing production processes. Fused deposition fabrication (FDM) 3D printing, in particular, has been adopted by diverse industries around the world, from automotive engineering to the health and fashion industry. Global brands use 3D printing to shrink production costs, accelerate time to market, and outpace their competitors.
In this white paper, we highlight the five areas on which to focus to make your production processes more cost-efficient, and look at just a few of the industry leaders already using FDM 3D printing to reduce production costs.
3D printed manufacturing aids elevate quality and effectiveness, and reduce costs.
Factories and workshops rely on manufacturing aids to streamline production. Jigs, fixtures, and quality gauges facilitate faster machine setup, reduce deviations during assembly and fitting, and hold parts securely. But manufacturing aids are often highly customized items.
Outsourcing production results in long lead times and additional costs, placing your manufacturing at the mercy of the supplier. When design changes are necessary, the cycle must begin again, causing additional delays to product delivery.
UltiMaker’s professional 3D printing ecosystem helps companies reduce costs, shorten lead times, and take control of production. From tooling and prototypes to end-use parts, in-house printing means faster iterations and fewer dependencies. Learn how companies like Ford, L’Oréal, and the Royal Netherlands Air Force have cut tooling costs by over 90%, reduced development times from weeks to days, and streamlined operations with UltiMaker printers.
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