3D printing, one kind of additive manufacturing (AM) technology, at industrial scale, is increasingly used in the manufacturing industry, which is why Elcin Gunay, clinical assistant professor of supply chain and operations management at the Daniels School of Business, integrates case studies about it into her curriculum.
In simple terms, Gunay describes AM as a layer-by-layer manufacturing process that produces three-dimensional structures using computer-aided design (CAD) models. She shares, “The way AM forms objects is similar to how we assemble Lego blocks together. When we assemble Lego blocks, we add them layer by layer where it is necessary. 3D printing in manufacturing works on the same principle. You can produce objects from polymers, metals or composites by using a CAD file and an STL file, which describes the surface geometry of the object, without in-depth manufacturing knowledge.”
As AI continues to reshape nearly every industry, AM prototyping has found a unique and powerful place within manufacturing and supply chains. Gunay explains that with advancements in AI, companies are better equipped to understand customer needs, translate those needs into product features and optimize product designs. When paired with these capabilities, AM enables high levels of customization while significantly shortening the design-to-production cycle.
Gunay explains that students today must understand the dynamics of the entire supply chain. Manufacturing cannot be viewed in isolation; it must be understood from raw material procurement to final product delivery. These interconnected decisions ultimately shape the performance of the entire system.
To succeed in the AM space, “Today’s leaders need to combine technical understanding with systems thinking and evaluate how these technologies help them design more resilient and responsive supply chains,” says Gunay. Understanding advantages and disadvantages of AM is key for future leaders.
At the Daniels School of Business, the integration of AM concepts into the MS curriculum has been intentional and foundational. Students engage in case study discussions that demonstrate how and when AM can create value for companies. They learn how AM enables rapid product design and increases supply chain responsiveness and operational flexibility.
“Analyzing scenarios helps students engage with the content, dive deeper into the technology and identify potential areas for its use. Moreover, by introducing simulation tools and analytical methods early in the curriculum, students learn how to evaluate trade-offs and make decisions aligned with their business objectives,” explains Gunay.
In 2026, one of AM’s greatest advantages lies in its ability to enable responsive, resilient and highly customizable supply chains. By leveraging localized manufacturing, reducing lead times and lowering many inventory-related costs, companies can significantly mitigate supply chain risks while responding more effectively to shifts in demand. The advantages of AM are transforming the future of the manufacturing industry. AM also reduces traditional manufacturing constraints, allowing firms to tailor designs more precisely to customer needs.
These benefits are game-changing. That is why, at the Daniels School of Business, students are encouraged to see the bigger picture – by aligning technology decisions with product characteristics and overall company strategy.
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