7 Years On: What Happened to the AM Projects That Inspired Us?
- Authentise Team
- Apr 8
- 3 min read
Back in 2018, we highlighted a few standout additive manufacturing (AM) projects that we believed were laying the foundation for a true revolution in how things are made. They weren’t just flashy announcements - these were long-term commitments from companies willing to test, iterate, and take risks.
But now, years later, the question is: Did those bold moves pay off? Let’s take a closer look at each pioneer we covered, how their ambitions have evolved, and what that tells us about AM’s trajectory.
1. Nike: Iteration Over Hype
2018 flashback:
Nike’s Zoom Vaporfly Elite Flyprint 3D shoes were seen as the next step in high-performance, data-driven footwear. Co-developed with elite marathoner Eliud Kipchoge, these shoes weren’t just about using AM for the sake of it - they were the result of years of testing market appetite, refining materials, and perfecting the process.
Where are they now?
Nike has continued to refine its Flyprint technology, integrating AM into a broader set of footwear R&D efforts. While full mass adoption of 3D printed shoes hasn’t exploded (yet), Nike’s approach - test, iterate, refine - set the tone for how brands can realistically implement AM at scale. Their early efforts helped normalise AM in performance wear and inspired similar pursuits across the industry.
Takeaway:
Nike showed us that AM success isn’t about overnight disruption. It’s about patience, performance, and partnering closely with end users. That’s still the formula that works.
2. GE: A Rail Revolution in the Making
2018 flashback:
GE Transportation had just announced its intention to introduce up to 250 3D printed locomotive parts by 2025. They were already deep into a pilot project as part of their Brilliant Factory model, combining AM with digital twins, analytics, and lean manufacturing principles.
Where are they now?
As of today, GE (now GE Vernova and GE Aerospace) has continued to integrate additive into rail and energy production, though progress has been tempered by broader restructuring. The AM capabilities remain a core strength, especially in aviation - but in rail, the vision of hundreds of printed components is still materialising. However, the concept of digital inventory, enabled by AM, has gained serious traction.
Takeaway:
The path to widespread AM adoption in heavy industry is long and complex — but the seeds planted by GE’s rail initiatives are still bearing fruit, just more slowly than headlines might suggest.
3. Relativity Space: From Moonshots to Mars Missions
2018 flashback:
At the time, Relativity Space was just emerging, boldly claiming that it could 3D print 95% of a rocket - not just parts, but nearly the entire structure. It was a radical leap even in an industry as innovative as spaceflight.
Where are they now?
Relativity has delivered. Their Terran 1 rocket - built with the world’s largest metal 3D printer - launched in 2023, validating years of development. While the rocket didn’t complete orbit, the success of launch-stage operations was a milestone. Their next project, Terran R, aims to be fully reusable and printed even more efficiently. They’ve also announced a major partnership with Impulse Space for a Mars mission.
Takeaway:
Relativity didn’t just dream big - they’re executing at a remarkable pace. Their story proves how AM can go from prototype to production to launchpad in less than a decade.
So… Was It a Revolution After All?
Looking back, it’s clear that the true AM revolution wasn’t about dramatic overnight shifts - it was (and still is) a steady evolution driven by visionary pioneers. Each of these projects brought something different:
Nike brought customer-centric iteration.
GE brought industrial integration and digital continuity.
Relativity brought boldness, speed, and reimagined supply chains.
Not all dreams come true at the same speed - but the seeds planted back in 2018 have grown into serious industry movements as we enter 2025. And if these examples tell us anything, it’s this:
The AM revolution didn’t fizzle - it just matured. And it's still unfolding!
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