Biden Says 3D Printing Could Ease Manufacturing Woes Across US

President Joe Biden said during a recent factory tour in Ohio that 3D printing technology will help the U.S. mitigate the effects of inflation and support the return of jobs to factories.

According to Biden, the coronavirus pandemic and the effects of the Russia-Ukraine conflict have exposed the United States’ vulnerability when it relies too much on things made from abroad. He also urged Congress to approve a bill that could improve domestic manufacturing and ultimately make it easier for the U.S. to produce life-saving devices and other gadgets.

3D printing could allow companies to manufacture components locally and enable a significant boost to the economy. According to an analysis by the consulting firm Kearney, 3D printing could generate between $600 billion and $900 billion for the economy by enhancing domestic production.

During his tour of the United Performance Metals plant, Biden highlighted the commitments made by five companies to boost their reliance on small and medium American businesses for 3D printing, AP News reported.

GE Aviation and Raytheon Technologies committed to source half of their requests for quotes for products requiring 3D printing or related technologies to small- and medium-sized American businesses. Siemens Energy promised to target between 20 and 40 percent of externally sourced 3D print parts and will work with 10 to 20 small and medium companies to help improve their 3D printing capability.

Lockheed Martin will work with smaller suppliers to allow them to use 3D printing as an alternative to traditional means of production while the multinational conglomerate Honeywell will offer assistance to the companies that it works with.