Additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing, is a rapidly developing form of technology that is being used in many and varied sectors, from medicine to the aerospace industry. The ability to print parts, tools and equipment on demand could reduce costs related to inventory holding, supply chain and assembly, as well as cut waste and lead time, the latter of which is especially significant for mines operating in isolated locations. The technology also allows companies to customize and expedite prototypes to create new kinds of equipment that could not have been manufactured through other methods. Up until now, the mining sector has not widely adopted the technology. Stacey DelVecchio, a chemical engineer at Caterpillar, is exploring how to change that as the company’s additive manufacturing project manager. Her team is already making use of its additive manufacturing factory to  print parts for Caterpillar equipment, and DelVecchio has her eyes on the horizon for what is next; namely printing parts on demand and how that will impact the heavy equipment industry.