Our mission
Our mission is to transform global manufacturing by providing efficient digital tools, supporting sustainable practices, and establishing a global network of manufacturers and businesses.
We help businesses find and use local manufacturing capacity on-demand, enhancing business resilience and driving the shift from traditional mass production to flexible, sustainable manufacturing.
How it works
Find a Local Manufacturer
Whether you need a prototype, spare part, or a customized production solution, connect with a local manufacturer. Submit your part request along with any available information, such as CAD files, 2D drawings, or specifications.
Outline Your Needs
Use our platform to clearly communicate your requirements. You can provide CAD files, images, concepts, or any other relevant details.
Assessment and Connection
Your request will be evaluated and matched with the appropriate production technologies and materials for an accurate quote.
Receive Competitive Offers
Get comprehensive quotes and offerings from multiple manufacturers. Choose the one that best fits your needs in terms of location, pricing, sustainability, and delivery options.
Direct Delivery
Once your components are produced, they will be delivered straight to your specified location.
Unlike platforms tied to specific industries or manufacturers, LOCAT3D is completely independent, providing a neutral space where OEM’s and IP holders are incentivized to break away from traditional value chains.
Frequently Asked Questions
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On-Demand Manufacturing, commonly known as Additive Manufacturing, is a production strategy that creates items only as needed, rather than in large quantities for inventory. This approach significantly reduces waste and lowers inventory costs by minimizing the need for storage, security, and logistics. It also enables more customized and flexible production processes.
Although this technology has been around for nearly two decades, its methods have only recently matured enough to support effective production using materials such as metals and advanced polycarbonates. In recent years, advancements in technology have led to its growing adoption across various industries for project planning, execution, spare parts, prototyping, and one-off production runs.
On-Demand Manufacturing leverages digital technologies like 3D printing, CNC machining, and other advanced manufacturing techniques to quickly produce parts or products based on real-time orders. This approach is especially beneficial in industries where customization, fast turnaround times, and small batch production are essential. It allows companies to respond swiftly to customer demands, minimize overproduction, and mitigate the risk of excess inventory.
Additionally, it results in a lower environmental impact, particularly in asset-heavy industries.
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The global manufacturing industry is facing unprecedented challenges due to disruptions in supply chains. A recent report shows that 94% of Fortune 1000 companies experienced supply chain interruptions due to crises like COVID-19. Additionally, 70% of manufacturers are actively seeking ways to localize their supply chains to reduce their dependence on global networks and mitigate risks.
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The COVID-19 pandemic revealed just how fragile global supply chains can be. Industries, ranging from defense to healthcare and beyond, are increasingly in need of rapid access to components that can be produced closer to the point of use, minimizing delays, reducing environmental impact, and ensuring greater resilience against disruptions.
In addition to our tech industry experience our team includes members with extensive experience in traditional manufacturing industries, where the reliance on outdated methods, such as creating individual molds for each component, is not only costly but also stifles innovation. We’ve seen firsthand how this approach forces companies to mass-produce in low-cost countries, driving up environmental costs and reducing the flexibility to adapt to market changes.
With additive manufacturing we see a clear opportunity to transform production, from the smallest factories to the largest. AM allows components to be produced near the point of assembly, making changes faster and more affordable. This not only encourages innovation but also leads to significant cost savings and reduced emissions. Our motivation to create LOCAT3D stems from a desire to modernize the manufacturing process, making it more sustainable, flexible, and efficient for businesses across all industries.