Mouser Electronics, Inc., the global distributor of electronic components and industrial automation products, has released the latest installment of its Empowering Innovation Together (EIT) technology series, titled That’s 3D Printed?. The series examines how additive manufacturing is reshaping engineering and production through novel materials, artificial intelligence (AI), and advanced design techniques.
3D printing, once a niche method for rapid prototyping, has evolved into a transformative industrial technology. Its strength lies in producing complex geometries and intricate internal structures that are difficult or impossible to achieve through traditional subtractive methods. The integration of AI and new materials has further accelerated its adoption, enabling everything from FAA-approved titanium engine components to biomaterial-based cartilage implants.
According to Mouser, these advances are not just streamlining design processes but also offering solutions to supply chain challenges by enabling faster, localized production of spare parts and custom components.
Expert perspectives
In The Tech Between Us podcast, Mark Beatty, founder and CEO of 3D Agility, joined host Raymond Yin, Mouser’s Director of Technical Content, to discuss the impact of additive manufacturing on industrial workflows. The conversation highlighted how 3D printing could alter equipment lifecycles, extend usability, and reduce obsolescence through on-demand part fabrication.
A companion episode of In Between The Tech featured Stefanie Brickwede, Managing Director at Mobility goes Additive, a European additive manufacturing network. Brickwede explored the evolution of materials science within the field, outlining both the benefits and barriers of wider adoption.
“Additive manufacturing isn’t new, but its impact is accelerating,” said Yin. “With the rise of novel materials and AI, engineers can design with greater precision and fewer limitations. This installment explores how these advancements are not only reshaping workflows but also helping solve real-world supply chain challenges through fast, on-demand production.”
Beyond the podcast
Alongside its podcasts, the EIT series also includes videos, technical articles, infographics, and subscriber-exclusive content. These resources examine the role of AI in enhancing precision, the development of advanced 3D printing materials, and the integration of additive manufacturing into broader engineering and production systems.
The initiative aims to provide engineers with practical knowledge and insights to apply additive manufacturing in fields ranging from custom consumer goods to industrial spare parts management, ultimately reducing dependency on fragile global supply chains.
A decade of innovation outreach
Mouser launched the Empowering Innovation Together program in 2015. Over the past decade, it has become one of the most recognized educational platforms in the electronics industry, offering engineers access to expert insights and emerging technology trends.
By spotlighting 3D printing’s evolution from prototyping to production-ready technology, the company hopes to inspire wider adoption among engineers and manufacturers. As AI tools, advanced materials, and industry collaboration continue to accelerate innovation, additive manufacturing is increasingly positioned as a central pillar in the future of global production.
For more details, Mouser has made the full EIT resources available at its website
