UPS expands 3D printing network to Asia

Fast Radius, a U.S.-based 3D printing firm, said it will open a new 3D printing factory on the site of a UPS facility in Singapore before the close of 2016. UPS owns an undisclosed stake in Fast Radius.

Entry into Singapore follows UPS’ first major foray into the realm of 3D printing when it installed hardware in 60 of its UPS Stores in May of this year. In addition, UPS made 3D printing resources for larger-scale projects available to its customers through Fast Radius’ 3D printing factory in Louisville, Kentucky, on-site at UPS’ Worldport hub.

Singapore was seen as an ideal location due its geography and interconnectedness to other countries within the region. Orders received by 5 p.m. local time can be processed and delivered to most major Asian cities within 24 hours, according to the company.

UPS’ embrace of this technology in Asia, and plans for a similar hub in Europe, indicate that the opportunities of this disruptive technology, at least from UPS’ perspective, outweigh the pitfalls.

A recent Wohlers Report estimated the 3D printing industry will grow rapidly, from US$5.2 billion in 2015 to $26.5 billion in 2021.

“3D printing will have a significant impact on industrial manufacturing and 21st century supply chains,” said Ross McCullough, president of UPS Asia Pacific region. “At UPS, we are embracing disruptive technologies and integrating them into our global logistics network. We believe that, much like e-commerce digitized and transformed retail, 3D printing will have a similar impact on manufacturing.” The global logistics provider is, for example, touting 3D printing as a solution for reducing inventory for slow-moving parts — parts which could otherwise be managed by the company’s warehousing division.

UPS also said it would create an “Advanced Solutions team” in Asia to help develop supply chain services for customers in the region with new 3D printing applications.

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