(Bloomberg) — The future of manufacturing may lie with companies like Italy’s Isinnova SRL, which saw a need for respirator valves in its Covid-stricken area and was able make hundreds in two days using 3D printing rather than waiting a week for ones made in Chinese factories.

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It’s an example of how the U.S. and Europe are leading in innovation in additive manufacturing, better known as 3D printing, according to a new study by the European Patent Office. While a relatively small number of patents are issued each year, it’s the fastest-growing technology field, with companies like General Electric Co., Raytheon Technologies Corp. and Siemens AG getting the most patents. “Most of them are industrial actors that are considering this technology to change their approach to manufacturing,” said EPO’s Chief Economist Yann Ménière. “It has a very high versatility — it’s very flexible and scalable.” The technology uses digital […]

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