3D printing is defined as a fabrication of objects through the deposition of a material, using a print head, a nozzle, or other printer technologies. 3D printing began in 1987 when 3D Systems of the U.S. sold 3D printers for the first time in the world. 3D printing is often used synonymously with additive manufacturing. 3D printing has emerged as the key means of replacing or complementing a part of conventional subtractive manufacturing, and facilitating a process innovation in the manufacturing industry. In addition, 3D printing can change a consumption behavior by encouraging the market of customized products, the personal makers, and customers making products for themselves. In the U.S., many companies in the aerospace, automobile and medical devices industry are using 3D printing to reduce prototyping costs, and a number of tangible success cases have been reported. However, as introduction of 3D printing is currently in the early stages in the Korean manufacturing industry, a few companies are using 3D printing and there are only a few cases being reported about the fields where 3D printing is utilized and its imstrengthen positive effects and reduce negative effects. The purpose of this research is to forecast the extent of 3D printing influences on the Korean manufacturing industry and the competitiveness gap between companies that use 3D printing and those that do not ten years later from the viewpoint of value chain. In order to achieve these goals, we set up an analysis framework which consists of nine fields based on Michael Porter’s value chain theory and nine evaluation indicators in competitiveness. Nine fields of value chain are R&D, design, procurement of materials, procurement of parts, production method, location of production, inventory structure, distribution channel, logistics cost and warranty cost. Nine competitiveness evaluation indicators are productivity, cost reduction, quality, innovation, brand, price, marketing, warranty, and market response.We collected data through in-depth interviews with 71 industrial experts and companies that actually utilize 3D printing. We analyzed four industries such as root industry (process substitution or supplementation by 3D printing), medical devices industry (very strong customized and relatively expensive product), electronics industry (moderate customized and middle-end product), and the consumer goods industry (relatively cheap but highly customized product)
