In an era where supply chain disruptions, long lead times, and rising costs continue to challenge manufacturers, on-demand production is proving to be the smarter, faster, and more cost-effective alternative. London-based 3D People, a leading subcontract additive manufacturing (AM) / 3D printing service, has seen a surge in demand for agile manufacturing solutions as companies look to cut down lead times and avoid the inefficiencies of traditional production methods.
With Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) and MultiJet Fusion (MJF) at the heart of its offering, 3D People enables businesses to move away from rigid supply chains, batch constraints, and excessive upfront costs, replacing them with scalable, responsive production that delivers parts exactly when they’re needed.
Felix Manley, co-founder of 3D People, emphasises the shift in mindset that is now essential for modern manufacturing. “Speed, flexibility, and precision — this is what today’s manufacturers need. Companies no longer want to be locked into large order quantities or held back by months-long lead times. On-demand AM lets them prototype, iterate, and scale without the waste and inefficiencies of traditional production.”
The urgency to adopt on-demand manufacturing is being driven by a rapidly changing industrial landscape. The unpredictability of global supply chains has forced businesses to rethink how they approach production. Manufacturers are recognising that producing parts only when they’re needed eliminates the risks associated with excess inventory, high tooling costs, and the delays caused by overseas production. The ability to iterate and optimise designs quickly without the limitations of traditional manufacturing methods is also a major advantage, giving companies the freedom to innovate without being slowed down by outdated processes.
Sasha Bruml, co-founder of 3D People, points out that the pace of business today demands a more responsive manufacturing model. “The old way of manufacturing was built on long production runs and inflexible supply chains. But business today moves faster. If you’re still relying solely on traditional manufacturing methods, you’re falling behind. On-demand AM gives companies the ability to react instantly, scale effortlessly, and minimise risk.” This approach has already proven valuable in industries requiring complex, high-precision parts, such as consumer products, industrial tooling, and medical devices.
As industries rethink their approach to production, on-demand AM is no longer a niche solution, it’s firmly established as a core pillar of modern manufacturing. The companies that embrace this shift will gain a significant advantage, with greater speed, adaptability, and cost efficiency driving their success. With on-demand manufacturing now a viable alternative to traditional production, 3D People is at the forefront of helping businesses take control of their supply chains and realise the full potential of AM. For those still relying on outdated models, the question is no longer if but when they will need to make the shift. The future of manufacturing is happening now.
