Why 3D Printing is still Unknown Among Many Non- 3D Printing Companies

Opinion by Daniel Suib, of the 3D Printing Channel

It is common, in technical industries to fall short on good leaders and managers. Why? What makes this statement true? Well, the nature of the industry makes that statement true. Leaders and productive, effective managers are individuals who need to pursue relationships and connections with those they need to manage. They don’t need to be personally connected, but managers need to “know” their employees.

Within the 3D Printing industry, it is already happening. You can feel it. There is a gap between the technicians and engineers that are creating the technology, and those that are the driving force of the image and productivity of the industry. As we walk the floors in the 3dPRinting conventions, we feel the absence or void of direction. Products and systems are described and explained well. But the lack of attendance is always the first sign that an industry is lacking…”direction”.

With the 3D Printing industry poised to be the next trillion dollar industry, one would think that the conventions and tradeshows could or should be overwhelmed with vendors, clients and people who are just interested in learning what “it” is. To this day, when asking most people if they know what 3D Printing is, the response is a common “I’ve heard of it, but have no idea what it is”. This industry has been around since the 1980’s with Additive Manufacturing. Why would no one know what 3D Printing is?

This industry needs focus. It needs a new energy to catapult it into the next realm of consciousness. This will not come from the engineers or technicians. It will come from the managers and leaders of this industry, that I believe…have not arrived to the party yet.