For many companies, introducing Additive Manufacturing is anything but straightforward and the obstacles go beyond technology. They’re rooted in habits, company culture, and how teams work together. As the initial excitement fades, organizations often realize that scaling up AM means changing mindsets, redefining roles, and adapting to a more digital way of working. It’s not technical hurdles that slow progress, but unclear communication and a lack of shared vision. And as a company, if you are not clearly ahead and confident in integrating 3D printing and fail to take advantage of it, then others surely will.  

Since adoption varies across industries and at an individual level, it’s often hard to deliver a clear roadmap to achieve these goals. In that case, the best way is to “Learn from other’s experiences”. 

In 2018 the Change Management Working Group brought together insights from members (DB, Knorr-Bremse, Volkswagen, TÜV SÜD, Fraunhofer, Airbus, ….) within our network. With support from Oliver Cynamon, now Managing Director at GC Graphic Consult GmbH, we created the AM Change Management Guide to help companies navigate successfully through different challenges during the transition. 

Inside you will discover practical guidance for companies aiming to leverage Additive Manufacturing (AM) for breakthrough product or process innovations and integrate 3D printing into their technology portfolio. These guidelines do not include a business plan or technical details on choosing the right 3D printing technology or overcoming implementation challenges. Instead, they focus on the organizational and communication strategies needed to answer these questions effectively, inspire your teams, and help your company fully benefit from AM. Our goal is to support bold pioneers who are exploring or have already begun their journey with this transformative technology.