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Digital Engineering April 2026
In the latest issue of Digital Engineering, we take a look at the latest innovations in design for additive manufacturing, including the use of natural language inputs, social media cosplayers, and AI integration. The issue also includes a feature…
January Special Focus Issue: Design for Additive
In this Special Focus Issue of Digital Engineering, learn about the latest advancements in design for additive manufacturing, including new software tools, additive in automotive, custom medical devices, and more.
The company is doubling down on additive manufacturing, expanding its print services to Asia and Europe. With expanded service, the company will be able to print and deliver plastic parts around the world.
According to Reuters, this expansion may be a way to help get in front of a potential decline in its parts storing and shipping operations – one caused by companies printing their own 3D parts. In 2015, the company reported $6 billion in forwarding and logistics revenue, roughly 10% of sales. It’s not clear how much its warehouse operations contribute to that total.
“3D printing is a great opportunity for us, but it’s also a threat,” Alan Amling, UPS vice president for corporate strategy, told Reuters, noting that if companies can simply print replacement parts they’re unlikely to need UPS’ shipping services. UPS hopes to convince them that outsourcing is the way to go.
The company plans to establish a 3D printing factory in Singapore or Japan. The company already has an operational hub in Cologne, Germany, although there are no specific plans for a European facility as of yet.
This spring, the company launched a 3D printing service by teaming with Fast Radius in Atlanta. The two companies established a 3D print factory in Louisville, KY. In addition, UPS provides 3D printers at 60 UPS stores in the U.S.
Over the summer, UPS also announced a partnership with SAP to create a distributed network that could allow customers to order, print and receive printed parts and prototypes within 24 hours. SAP’s supply chain solutions would manage the process, while UPS handles the parts printing and shipping via its Louisville facility in conjunction with the printers in its stores. The solution also leverages the Fast Radius website.
You can read more about UPS’ 3D print activities here.
Source: Fortune
Brian Albright is the editorial director of Digital Engineering.
Contact him at [email protected].
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