Why So Many SMEs Struggle with 3D Printing and How the Right Support Can Change Everything | Çağrı Üzüm, PhD. 3D Printing, Digital Manufacturing, AI

May 6th, 2025

Over the years, 3D printing has grown from a cool prototyping tool into a serious option for production. It is helping companies across industries work smarter, move faster, and reduce waste.

But the truth is, a lot of small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) still have not made the leap. It is not because they are not interested. It is because they are not sure where to start.

So what is standing in the way, and what can actually help?

What is Holding SMEs Back?

Even though 3D printing has proven value, only about 10 to 15 percent of SMEs in Germany have tried it out in a pilot project. That’s a surprisingly small number considering the benefits. The reasons are pretty familiar:

Upfront costs for hardware, software, and training feel overwhelming.
Most teams do not have in-house expertise in additive manufacturing.
The return on investment is not always clear, especially for small batch production.
Integrating 3D printing with existing systems can be complicated.
There is a real shortage of skilled workers in digital manufacturing.
And maybe the biggest one: many SMEs simply do not have a clear project that feels like the right entry point.

On top of all that, daily operations are already demanding. Managers are juggling a lot, and adding a new technology often feels like one task too many.

The Missed Opportunity

This hesitation comes at a cost. 3D printing can make a big difference. For example, it can:

Turn a prototype around in hours instead of weeks.
Allow for short-run production without needing expensive tooling.
Make it easier to offer customized products.
Reduce material waste and simplify supply chains.

In other words, SMEs that get started early can become more flexible, responsive, and competitive. Those who wait risk falling behind.

How NovaManufact Makes It Easier

That is exactly why I started NovaManufact. I wanted to give SMEs the kind of hands-on support they actually need. Not a long presentation or a generic strategy. Just clear, honest help that moves the project forward.

Here is how I usually support clients:

1. Practical Implementation

I help businesses figure out if 3D printing makes sense for their needs. If it does, we choose the right equipment and get it working in the real-world setting. It is not about theory. It is about making it work on the ground.

2. Business Case and ROI

I create clear and customized economic models. That way, you can see how the investment might pay off, and share that with your team and decision-makers with confidence.

3. Workshops That Get People Involved

Technology only works when people understand and believe in it. I run interactive workshops that help teams explore possibilities and leave with a clear roadmap.

Why This Approach Works for SMEs

Most SMEs do not need a full-scale digital transformation. What they need is a smart way to start. Something affordable, flexible, and grounded in real experience.

I bring a background in material science, additive manufacturing, and software, so I can connect the technical side with business strategy. My services are vendor-neutral and modular, which means I help you get exactly what you need, nothing more and nothing less.

Whether you want to run a small pilot or go all-in, I help you do it efficiently and with purpose.

Also Helpful for 3D Printing Vendors

If you are a company selling 3D printing tech and want to serve more SMEs, I can support you too. I work as an external implementation partner, helping your customers get results while taking pressure off your internal teams.