The Internet of Things in Additive Manufacturing: What It Means for Customers, Data, and Operations

We live in an increasingly interconnected world. Our computers and smartphones are omnipresent in our lives, and even our cars and televisions are now online, creating a smooth flow of data throughout our daily lives. These thousands of interconnected devices have been collectively dubbed the Internet of Things.

The term “Internet of Things” was coined in 1999 by Kevin Ashton at Procter & Gamble. Since then it has become ubiquitous, and many argue it has lost some of its punch. Yet the next wave of technology is accelerating, and additive manufacturing (AM) must evolve to harness its benefits.

In the manufacturing sphere, the phrase “Industrial Internet of Things” has become a core component of Industry 4.0. What does this shift actually entail for AM?

Impact on Customers

Business is increasingly conducted online. Customers now expect seamless ordering, real‑time tracking, and a consistent experience across all touchpoints. An integrated system that captures requests, generates accurate quotes instantly, and allows one‑click ordering is essential. All project data should be stored in a centralized, accessible format so AM teams can start work immediately, wherever they are.

While automation streamlines the process, the human element—personalized service and clear communication—remains vital.

Impact on Data

Centralized data acquisition is critical for companies with global footprints. Every customer interaction, whether online or over the phone, must funnel into the same system to provide worldwide visibility and consistency.

Analytics now drive manufacturing success. Automating quality checks, for example, allows problems to be predicted, prevents defects, and produces detailed production reports automatically. This yields on‑time, on‑budget 3‑D printed parts and gives AM operations a high‑level view of overall effectiveness.

Such visibility can be extended across any area of an AM workflow, but only if the right tools and processes are in place to collect accurate, automated data.

Impact on Operations

The IoT emphasizes streamlining internal processes, a challenge that grows as firms adopt hybrid AM workflows. Machine scheduling and production management become more complex as multiple processes must align.

Automation is the solution. Advanced algorithms now enable companies to automate much of production scheduling, freeing engineers and AM specialists to focus on quality and innovation rather than administrative tasks.

Industry leaders illustrate this shift: at Siemens’ German electronics plants, 75 % of processes are fully automated.

Future Outlook

Building a true IoT ecosystem in AM will take time, requiring new tools and cultural change. With patience and persistence, the smart factories of tomorrow will emerge.