Additive Manufacturing at GE – Revolutionizing the Way We Think

Within the past couple of years, Additive Manufacturing, also referred to as 3D Printing, has exploded onto the scene, challenging our preconceived notions on designing, producing and even using complex three-dimensional geometry.  Over the previous three decades, the growth of the technology has been less of a gradual evolutionary process and more of a sporadic (spikey) revolutionary process, taking place in a fashion similar to Steven Jay Gould’s theory on biological evolution known as punctuated equilibrium. Currently, Additive Manufacturing is in one of the those phases of punctuated equilibrium where both rapid growth and dramatic, exciting change are taking place after an extended period of homeostasis. Or was that just the calm before the storm?  Today, as compared against the backdrop of the previous two or three industrial revolutions, change is happening at an ever accelerating rate due to recent technological advances.  And those changes are being magnified and democratized via another recent phenomenon, social media.  It is through this democratization process that additive is taking hold globally and poising itself to change the way we create and adapt our world.  At GE, we are experiencing the same sweeping changes.  Additive is not only changing how we design and build, but also how we think.  It is evolving into more than just a design or manufacturing tool. It is becoming a way of life.  Where is this change taking us?  Only time will tell. But then again, time is moving ever more quickly.