UK-based
3D People, a leading 3-D printing bureau, has launched PartsVault, a digital inventory platform designed to help businesses protect their operations against disruption by enabling local, on-demand production of plastic components.
Since its launch, PartsVault has seen rapid and widespread adoption by both UK and international companies, a clear signal that the market has been waiting for a solution such as this. The comapny says that the strong uptake reflects a growing demand for more flexible, resilient supply chains, with manufacturers recognising the value of digital inventory as a practical response to business uncertainty. “For many, PartsVault has quickly become a critical tool in reducing risk, improving responsiveness, and moving away from outdated models of stockpiling and over-production.”
The quick success of PartsVault is due in part to the geopolitical and economic instability that continues to disrupt global supply chains, forcing manufacturers to rethink how they source, store, and deliver components. With the return of Trump-era tariffs, the ongoing war in Ukraine, and a volatile economic climate marked by inflation and rising freight costs, traditional supply models are under more pressure than ever.
PartsVault allows customers to securely store part files in the cloud and trigger production only when and where needed. Manufactured in-house at 3D People’s ISO 9001-certified UK facility, parts can be produced without the delays, costs, and risks associated with warehousing or overseas shipping. This model represents a significant shift. Instead of stockpiling physical inventory and relying on just-in-time shipments from around the world, PartsVault enables companies to create a virtual inventory, in other words a buffer that absorbs volatility without inflating overheads.
Building resilience into the supply chainSasha Bruml, co-founder of 3D People, said: “For years, companies have been talking about the need to build resilience into their supply chains. PartsVault is our answer to that, a real, working solution that fits the world we are living in now.”
UK-based businesses see the advantages of PartsVault straight away. The platform allows users to store up-to-date design files, so outdated versions are never accidentally put into production. Meanwile, production settings are saved with each part, ensuring consistent quality across every reorder. By making it easy to manage repeat orders and control versioning, PartsVault helps companies maintain reliability while embracing ‘just-in-time’ manufacturing. It is an ideal solution for those looking to cut down on stockholding costs or better manage variable demand without compromising on quality.
For international businesses serving the UK market, PartsVault offers a simple and cost-effective way to localise production without establishing physical infrastructure. Felix Manley, co-founder of 3D People, said: “Traditional stockpiling strategies are struggling to hold up in the current geopolitical climate. PartsVault lets manufacturers keep control without tying up capital or taking unnecessary risks. We have seen first-hand how on-demand production can shift the balance in favour of speed, flexibility, and smarter decision-making.”
3D People positions PartsVault not as a trend-driven feature, but as a necessary evolution in manufacturing strategy. As the return of tariffs threatens to reintroduce trade barriers, and the reliability of global logistics becomes increasingly uncertain, the ability to produce parts locally and on demand is seen by 3D People as a strategic imperative.
By combining digital control with physical capability, 3D People is offering manufacturers a pragmatic solution to a complex problem. PartsVault reflects a deep understanding of both additive manufacturing (AM) and the challenges facing modern supply chains.