UPS has announced plans to launch a distributed, on demand manufacturing network through a partnership with Fast Radius and SAP. The solution is expected to link UPS’s network of 3D printers at its UPS Stores in the US with Fast Radius’ on demand production platform and 3D printing factory in Louisville, US. Fast Radius is an on demand manufacturing company specializing in additive manufacturing. UPS expects the combination of these components into one additive manufacturing and logistics solution to make 3D printing accessible to more potential users.
SAP, a software company, also announced an agreement with UPS to create an end-to-end industrial solution. SAP’s supply chain solutions will be integrated with UPS’s on-demand manufacturing solution and logistics network to simplify the industrial manufacturing process from digitization, certification, order-to-manufacturing and delivery.
Users will visit the Fast Radius website (formerly CloudDDM) to place their 3D printing orders, which will be directed to the optimal manufacturing or The UPS Store location based on speed, geography, and the product quality the customer requires. All participating The UPS Store locations are in the US, but UPS states that companies from around the world could utilize the network and place orders. Under the plans it will be possible for orders to be shipped on the same day they’re placed.
Rick Smith, co-founder and CEO of Fast Radius said, “With this distributed, on-demand manufacturing network, UPS customers will be able to get their products to market faster and more cost-effectively because parts can be produced exactly in the quantity they need and when they need them.”
Source: UPS
