UPS to open 3D printing factory in Singapore with Fast Radius
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Package delivery company United Parcel Service Inc said on Monday it will expand its 3D printing services to Asia with a new facility in Singapore run by its partner Fast Radius that will open by the end of 2016.
UPS rolled out a similar service in May in the United States. The company owns an undisclosed stake in Fast Radius, which has a 3D printing factory at the Atlanta-based package delivery company’s hub in Louisville.
In the United States, UPS customers can have parts printed at the Fast Radius factory or at one of 60 UPS Stores equipped with 3D printers and then shipped to them.
UPS also plans a 3D printing hub in Europe. The company sees 3D printing as a potential threat to its warehousing business where it stores parts for manufacturers, so its strategy is to embrace the new technology and incorporate it into its business model instead.
Also known as additive manufacturing, 3D printing works by laying down successive levels of material, mostly plastics at this point, to create an object.
Questions & Answers
Q.What is UPS's motivation for expanding into 3D printing services?
What is UPS's motivation for expanding into 3D printing services?
UPS views 3D printing as a potential threat to its traditional warehousing business. The company's strategy is to integrate this new technology into its business model rather than be negatively impacted by it.
Q.When did UPS first launch its 3D printing service?
When did UPS first launch its 3D printing service?
UPS first launched a similar 3D printing service in May in the United States. This came before the announcement of the new facility in Singapore, which is due to open by the end of 2016.
Q.What is the relationship between UPS and Fast Radius in relation to 3D printing?
What is the relationship between UPS and Fast Radius in relation to 3D printing?
Fast Radius is UPS's partner for its 3D printing services, and UPS owns an undisclosed stake in the company. Fast Radius operates the 3D printing factory at UPS's hub in Louisville and will run the new Singapore facility.
Q.Where else does UPS plan to establish 3D printing services?
Where else does UPS plan to establish 3D printing services?
Beyond its existing services in the United States and the planned facility in Singapore, UPS also has plans to establish a 3D printing hub in Europe. The article does not specify a timeline for this European expansion.
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