Accio3D was founded to deploy AI agents that accomplish what even the most tech-savvy OEM procurement teams struggle with — sourcing thousands of aftermarket parts from 3D printers quickly and efficiently. The intended result saves millions annually compared to traditional sourcing for legacy parts.
This idea emerged organically. Our leadership team and advisors have worked many years for some of the largest OEMs in the world. They supported global enterprise and public sector
customers.
But we’re not alone in championing this transformation.
We speak to scores of procurement leaders and CXOs across aerospace, automotive, heavy equipment, and other industries where additive manufacturing is poised to reduce the cost of maintaining aftermarket inventory. Many leaders share our enthusiasm for additive manufacturing (AM).
Misperceptions Stunt AM Adoption
But there are barriers. When it comes to implementation, many executives encounter objections within their organizations.Some of these concerns are well-grounded.
For example, AM rarely offers significant savings for high-volume production. Rigorous qualification requirements for parts used in aerospace and life sciences can pose real barriers to using 3D printing. AM is not yet suitable for producing advanced electronic components as well.
But many perceived barriers stem from outdated assumptions and legacy habits. Here are four:
- Design and engineering teams conclude that their products or parts are too complex or proprietary to be 3D-printed.
- Geometry, slicing, or even CAD files are missing for many older parts.
- Supply chain disruptions from factory fires, natural disasters, and changing FEOC rules reinforce a “just in case” inventory mindset in which teams overstock parts rather than risk shortages.
- Teams experiment with AM suppliers and conclude that the technology is ill-suited to their needs or too complex to use in a cost- and time-efficient way.
AI as a Change Agent
These are understandable and legitimate concerns. Without agentic AI, the rapidly evolving ecosystem of AM technologies and vendors proves difficult for procurement professionals to navigate. However, with agentic AI, the process can be dramatically streamlined, creating many opportunities and benefits.
Looking forward, here are steps for procurement teams to begin integrating additive manufacturing into their aftermarket strategies, with AI playing a central role:
- Identify candidate parts. Select aftermarket components that may be strong candidates for AM, such as parts with low annual demand, high unit costs, or less rigorous qualification requirements. An AI printability agent can quickly analyze these parts to determine which are truly viable for additive manufacturing.
- Strengthen cross-functional collaboration. Successful AM sourcing requires coordination among procurement, engineering, and quality teams responsible for aftermarket inventory. Establishing a collaborative evaluation process will help organizations make the most effective use of agentic AI tools that can now manage end-to-end 3D printing lifecycles.
- Build the digital foundation. Many organizations must first strengthen the digital infrastructure required for AM sourcing. This may include digitizing legacy drawings, organizing CAD and geometry files, and documenting specifications that allow parts to be produced reliably on demand. AI agents can facilitate the connection between these digitized files and 3D printers.
For OEMs that support equipment for decades, additive manufacturing will not replace traditional sourcing methods. But by collaborating with AI agents and launching targeted pilot initiatives, procurement teams can begin developing the expertise and workflows needed to capture the benefits of additive manufacturing. When they do, they move toward a more agile, AI-enabled aftermarket supply chain that positions them for a faster, smarter, and agile AM paradigm.
