It’s not too long ago that additive manufacturing (AM) was viewed primarily as a prototyping tool – but it has since matured into a production-ready capability that is already reshaping modern supply chains. For industries reliant on high-performance alloys and complex components, the technology now plays a strategic role – boosting resilience, cutting lead times, and offering unprecedented flexibility.
The Howco Group is leading this transformation. With a long history of supplying to sectors such as oil & gas and energy, we have a deep understanding of the pressures manufacturers face in balancing performance demands with volatile supply chain conditions. Here, Conrad Kao – Director of Additive Manufacturing and David Ramirez – Business Development Manager from Howco’s additive manufacturing (AM) unit explain why AM is the future of manufacturing and supply.
From Prototyping to Production
It is safe to say that we’re living through a time rife with disruption. Trade tariffs, freight delays, and economic uncertainty add to existing manufacturing challenges, and the ability to respond quickly has never been more valuable. AM eliminates traditional bottlenecks such as tooling and castings, allowing manufacturers to move directly from digital design to finished part.
For businesses grappling with urgent requirements, obsolete parts, or small production runs, this digital-first approach can reduce lead times by as much as 50 to 90 per cent. Instead of waiting months for traditional castings, companies can have production-ready components in just days.
Ideal for Complex, Low-Volume and Urgent Parts
One of the biggest advantages of AM is that it removes the penalty for complexity. Designs that would be prohibitively expensive – or even impossible – with conventional methods can be realised quickly and cost-effectively.
This makes AM particularly valuable in industries where a single component can hold up critical operations. From replacement parts in remote oilfields to aerospace components requiring rapid design iterations, AM enables manufacturers to print one or ten parts with the same ease, without the need to account for tooling costs.
The flexibility also makes AM well suited to bridge manufacturing, where short-term solutions are needed while awaiting large-scale production, and for legacy parts no longer supported by traditional suppliers.
Benefits Beyond Speed
While the strategic advantage of reduced lead times cannot be overstated, it is only one of the benefits that AM delivers across the supply chain. By digitising inventory, companies can store part designs as files rather than physical stock, lowering the costs of carrying spares. When demand arises, parts can be printed on-demand and close to the point of use, reducing logistics costs and minimising disruption.
There are sustainability gains as well. The process generates less material waste compared with subtractive methods, while localised production reduces the carbon footprint associated with long-distance shipping.
For manufacturers concerned with quality, AM also offers opportunities to consolidate assemblies. Complex parts that previously required multiple welds or fasteners can be printed as single units, improving reliability and performance. Features such as internal channels, lattice structures and conformal cooling can be incorporated into designs, unlocking efficiencies not possible through conventional processes.
Real-World Results
Howco Additive’s expertise in AM is not theoretical, having delivered tangible results for customers facing tight deadlines and demanding environments.
In one case, a customer required a set of titanium parts with multiple design variations, all on an extremely compressed timeline. Howco produced more than 20 different versions in a single build over a weekend, allowing the customer to test, refine, and finalise their design within a week – something that would have been impossible, if not entirely unthinkable, with traditional methods.
In another project, AM proved to be the only feasible manufacturing route for a new downhole tool. Through iterative design and close collaboration, the customer was able to secure work in wells they had previously been unable to service. The final production run resulted in more than 14,000 components manufactured in just two months – a shining example of the scalability and potential commercial impact of the technology.
Starting Small, Thinking Big
For companies new to AM, adopting the technology does not require an overhaul of existing processes. The Additive Manufacturing team advise starting with a legacy component, a long-lead item, or a part with recurring supply issues. Validating the performance of a single part can build confidence before expanding further.
The greatest value, however, comes when designs are created specifically for additive. By rethinking how parts are engineered, businesses can take full advantage of weight reduction, performance improvements, and consolidation opportunities.
Choosing the Right Partner
The role of AM will grow over the next decade. As technology advances, machine costs are likely to fall, build speeds are likely to increase, and certification frameworks will mature to keep up. Trends such as high-temperature alloys, multi-material printing and AI-assisted design will expand the scope of applications.
In the longer term, supply chains are likely to evolve towards on-site or near-site printing, supported by digital part libraries integrated into enterprise systems. AM will become less of a specialised capability and more of a standard element within manufacturing strategies. There are some exciting times ahead!
Successfully integrating additive manufacturing into a supply chain requires much more than access to a 3D printer. Companies should look for partners with experience in the specific alloys and processes required, and with a track record in moving beyond prototypes into production. Industry knowledge is equally important, as each sector has its own qualification requirements, performance standards and operational constraints.
An effective AM partner must bridge the gap between digital design and functional, end-use components – all while ensuring compliance with the rigorous demands of industries such as defence, aerospace and energy.
Whether you need a single, one-off prototype or a full production run of high-performance alloy components, Howco Additive Manufacturing is here to help. Please contact the AM team to learn more about our world class additive manufacturing capabilities.
