2025: Manufacturing Still Under Pressure - Bilby 3D

Wiring Systems - Production of Wiring Components, Tool Holders and Fixtures

2025 is shaping up to be another challenging year, not just for Australian manufacturing but for many industries worldwide. While interest rates are finally beginning to decline, weak and fluctuating demand, coupled with a looming Federal election, remain concerns.

Supply chain issues, although improving, continue to cause delays. In response, many companies are increasing onshore production and shortening supply chains to mitigate these disruptions.

The ongoing shortage of skilled labour affects all sectors. The AMTIL member roundtable in late 2024 said this is "indisputably the most significant pain point within the industry". While skilled migration could help, immigration levels are being reduced, and visa conditions tightened. Businesses have two main alternatives: upskilling their current workforce or training new employees—both of which require time and aptitude. This shortage is also impacting higher education and government research, with potential long-term effects on manufacturing. According to the Australian Industry Outlook for 2025 survey by AiGroup, 71% of industry leaders expect workforce shortages to affect their operations.

In response to these challenges, many managers are scaling back investment in research and development (R&D), according to the AiGroup survey.

Solutions

• Increase Productivity: Implementing automation and optimizing workflows to maximize efficiency
  
• Training: Learning to effectively use digital tools and workflows. AI is becoming increasingly practical and will continue to improve over the next 1-2 years. It is already a valuable tool for training, identifying skill gaps, and providing tailored learning solutions

Flashforge Adventurer 5M Pro - Easy Entry Level 3D Printer

The Benefits of Additive Manufacturing (AM)

• End-Use Part Production: Whether for bespoke items, small to medium batch manufacturing, or production overflow, 3D printers can supplement traditional production lines
  
• Efficient Tooling Production: Advanced engineering materials enable the creation of metal-forming dies, injection moulding inserts, jigs, and fixtures, making flexible manufacturing more:
  • Cost-effective
  • Capable of producing a wider range of products
  • Adaptable to variable production volumes
• Enhanced R&D Productivity: AM reduces the cost and timeline of R&D by allowing for low-cost form-and-fit prototypes, as well as functional prototypes with properties identical or similar to mass-production materials

How Does Bilby3D Support Manufacturers and the challenges they face?

Bilby3D provides cost-effective solutions with a low total cost of ownership, no compulsory recurring license fees, and open material compatibility—ensuring you are never locked into OEM price increases or supply interruptions.

HellermannTyton’s integration of Raise3D DF2 3D printer

• Entry-Level FDM Solutions: Ideal for initial production and R&D, we offer machines capable of printing with carbon fibre and composite materials. With clear setup instructions, these machines start from as little as $2,000 (GST inc.), including a staff training package
  
• Mid-Range FDM Solutions: For businesses requiring larger build volumes and enhanced durability, we provide machines bundled with filament storage, materials, and training for $15,000–$20,000. These are perfect for producing tools and jigs in materials ranging from PLA to PA6+CF composites
  
• Resin Printing Solutions: For under $20,000, businesses can implement a full resin workflow—including a 3D printer, washer, and curing cabinet—capable of producing injection moulding inserts in hours rather than days. In a recent case study with Becton Dickinson Master Die Unit (MDU) inserts enabled the production of 100+ polycarbonate and polypropylene parts
  
• Large-Format Printing: Machines capable of producing parts within a 600mm³ and 1m³ build volume are available for $30,000 and $50,000, respectively. These machines are well suited for printing large parts in one go
  

Mingda MD-1000D Large Format 3D Printer
• Industrial Composite Production: For full-scale production of large composite parts, we offer solutions ranging from $130,000 to $350,000 capable of printing in PEEK and PEI

At Bilby3D, your success is our priority. We provide installation and training packages, spare parts, warranties, and discounted service for the lifetime of any machine purchased from us.

Read more about how Bilby3D is helping manufacturers improve productivity and flexibility in our Articles and Case Studies: B3D.com.au/articles/ or call us on 1800-847-333

Come chat with us on Stand AM450 at Australian Manufacturing Week 2025 in Melbourne from the 6th-9th of May. We will be happy to discuss how we can assist with your manufacturing needs!

Wiring Systems, a contract manufacturer in NSW, has integrated 3D printers into its operations. They use 3D printing to streamline their manufacturing processes
Skyzer uses AM to offer clients customised fixtures, jigs and assemblies; electrical housings for small run productions and highly customised assembly lines
Richmond Wheels finds 3D printed moulds take similar time using CNC vs 3D Printing. The 3D Printed mould gives a significant savings in both materials and human labour
Mideco provides dust control products and solutions for mines, quarries, and more. They use 3D printing to reduce lead times on prototype iterations substantially