3D printing has existed since the 1980s but is now gaining more widespread adoption. While still mainly used in niche industries like automotive and aerospace, the reduced costs of 3D printing could lead businesses to use it for on-demand manufacturing and customization. This represents a paradigm shift that will impact supply chain models. As 3D printing grows to a projected market size of £4 billion by 2019, insurers need to understand the new risks it brings and work with businesses to provide appropriate coverage for issues like product liability, intellectual property violations, and cross-border distribution of printed products.

1. By Augustine Kadare

2. *2.6 million years ago
*Birth of subtractive manufacturing
*Charles Hull 1984

3. *Direct
*Legislation
*Liability (Company A &
Company B)
*Indemnity Cover
*Indirect
* Traceability
*Data theft

4. Is this the end of other technologies?
*Despite the media hype, 3D printers are still
only used by niche audiences including
-the automotive industry
-aerospace
-hobbyists
jewellery makers/toy designers

5. What should the
insurance industry wish
to consider to avoid risk?
*Patent violation
*Misuse
*design and intellectual
property
*Legislation
*raw material quality
*untested material
combinations
*product and employee
liability risks
* jurisdiction for
products that are
distributed across
borders.

6. * The business world is slowly waking up to this 3D printing revolution that
could eventually foster a paradigm shift in the entire supply chain.
* With reduced inventory, no requirement to order in bulk, little or no
storage costs and a way to personalise and differentiate products from the
completion.
* Taking this all into consideration it is clear why many businesses are
seriously considering 3D printing as a technology. The sector is likely to be
worth around £4 billion by 2019.
* It is important that there are discussions between risk managers on the
insurance side and business product when looking to insure a client. This
will enable a common & clear understanding about where this type of
manufacturing is likely to have an impact and the necessary cover that is
required.

7. Any Questions?