In the aerospace industry, for example, even a seemingly...

In the aerospace industry, for example, even a seemingly inexpensive part can hold up an entire production line if it is missing.

The business case for 3D printing a part is not a simple comparison of the cost of producing a traditional part versus the cost of an additively manufactured alternative, which will often be higher. In the aerospace sector, if a missing and inexpensive part is holding up the production of a large complex aircraft, the cost of delivery delay will likely be greater than the cost of an additively manufactured alternative that would arrive in a more timely and predictable manner.