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Stratasys Inc. has launched the Expert Services Group for North America, a consultation group intended to help manufacturers develop additive manufacturing (AM) strategy and workflow. Focusing on what the group calls the Digital Manufacturing Ecosystem, services leverage 3D printing, automation and manufacturing digitization. The goal is to help clients define the potential value of AM throughout an entire enterprise; to create value by providing and developing technical and managerial expertise; and to deliver that value by managing the supply chain to make parts meeting stringent requirements.

The consulting group is led by Dr. Phil Reeves, who has more than 20 years of experience delivering and managing consulting services in the AM industry. “The Expert Services team is driven by people who know both traditional manufacturing and additive manufacturing well,” he says. “We can support companies across the entire maturity spectrum, from the novice first looking to assess the technology right through to a highly-experienced multinational that has decided to scale up its use of additive manufacturing.”

Services include Opportunity Evaluation to determine where and how 3D printing can add value; Data Analysis to find waste, bottlenecks and inventory that could be removed with 3D printing; Technology Mapping to determine the feasibility of 3D printing for production; Strategy Development to maximize 3D printing profitability through capital investment planning and supply chain development; Design Optimization to exploit the design freedoms of 3D printing through a subcontract design service; Safety and Environmental Management; and Production Quality Management.