The state of the Additive Manufacturing (AM) market is discussed extensively. The common belief is that AM has a lot of potential but the AM solutions (materials, machines etc.) are not there yet.

That said, I don't see many technology-centered discussions on ideas aiming to promote AM, apart from good old wishful thinking.

Being a problem-solver, and based on my experience in technology development, here is my take on what can and should be done.

On one of my previous posts I got overwhelming responses (not only on LinkedIn) about the fact that design engineers can’t trust the materials properties stated for Additive Manufacturing. This is of course a known secret in the AM market.

Two questions come to mind: Why? and, What can we do about it?

Here are my answers

Rapid Prototyping (cutely seldom called RP) is a very common Additive Manufacturing (well, while we are at it - AM) application. In fact, it is mentioned so many times by AM solutions providers, that one might think that quick prototyping was invented after, and as a result of, AM.

So why RP is so cherished in the AM market as a main application?

Looking back on my years in and around the Additive Manufacturing market, as a user, owner and especially 15 years leading development of AM solutions, I believe in the value of AM and totally see the need for it.

Still, I can't help wondering where this technology will go unless…

Let's talk about the elephant everyone like to avoid in the meeting room: Design Reviews (DR).

Design reviews ARE well prepared, all hands events in which the technological and technical aspects of a product, which is a result of a meticulous design process, are presented and then discussed.

For small startups it definitely feels like it. Still as the company is growing and professional departments are established, the importance of a periodical product line meeting is huge.

It really helps to think of meetings as a method of communication. Project, or product line meeting, is a way to put all departments on the same page, especially in a dynamic startup environment. This kind of meeting will not replace communication in smaller forums, but will ensure at least minimal flow of information to all departments.

Bringing a new, innovative and valuable product to the market is all about reducing risk.

The more unique your new idea is, the higher the risk. Simply put, there are more unknowns. Actually in many cases I dealt with in my career, there was no guarantee that it is even possible to make the proposed product. Let alone in the needed timeframe and cost.

So the name of the game is mitigating and reducing the risk.

A while ago I got to combine three things I enjoy: trying new things, podcasts and Additive Manufacturing (AM) products development. At the invitation of David Keller of ManyoneTLV I got to participate in his always-interesting product-centered podcast channel. It was real fun and teaching experience, to be on the other side of the microphone. I enjoyed every minute of it!

On the Berlin AM Forum last week, there was a clear notion of realism. On and off the stage, AM industry veterans shared their concern that the AM market is not growing to its potential.

The following poll was presented to the audience during one of the panels.

In their race to bring new products to market, companies' (yes, not just startups) sense of urgency is built on Franklin's Time-Money equation.

Actually, you find yourself counting TIME by three parallel and interactive scales

Here are the four things I recommend any product developer and innovator to take to work everyday

Product development routinely involves prioritization of features. The line between the Minimum Viable Product (MVP or how should a product perform, look, cost etc.) and Time-To-Market (TTM or when can we put the 1st version on the market, then the 2nd  etc.) is always subjected to management decision.

Still,  my experience is that there are some guidelines that should be followed in order to give the customer the best experience possible, with every product version.

I demonstrate this to my clients with what I like to call the Maslow Pyramid of Product development. Ask any psychologist or ancient Egyptian: the pyramids help you remember the basics...