Nike recently launched the first athletic shoe including 3D-printed components for this type of manufacturing . In the future we may store replacement parts in virtual warehouses rather than distribution centres and print them based on demand , which would significantly reduce required storage space and resources . This may also provide the foundation for high-wage countries to “ near shore ” production back home following earlier outsourcing to low-wage countries , and saving customs duties based on electronic transmission of digital design plans for local production rather than importing the actual goods .
At this point in time , however , it is still unclear to what extent 3D printing is capable of outstripping traditional manufacturing and logistics processes , or even replacing them . Despite its potential , 3D print technology is also subject to limitations . To begin with , it cannot compete with the speed of traditional
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