Recent developments in 3D printing are revolutionising the industry and expanding opportunities for and applications of additive manufacturing. The development of advanced simulation software is reducing the time it takes to model a 3D print design for parts that traditionally were created using combinations of multiple moulded parts that required post-production welding and brazing. The software also helps to predict defects, distortion, and stresses in designs and facilitates increased use of metals in additive manufacture.[1]
Refinements to 3D printing machines and manufacturing processes including Continuous Liquid Interface Production (CLIP), Computed Axial Lithography (CAL), Nanoparticle Jetting of metal and ceramic particles through liquid dispersion[2], Big Area Additive Manufacturing (BAAM) and mixed material printers are vastly improving production speeds, the size and structural integrity of printed items, and the types of goods that can be produced.
An ever-increasing variety of materials for use in the manufacturing process are regularly being developed. Where once only nylon and a handful of polymers were used, now high elasticity polymers, dental-grade polymers, rigid polyurethanes, silicon, epoxy, metal powders, ceramics, carbon fibre, and even biomedical photopolymers are readily available, and the options continue to expand.[3]
Further, 3D printing machine prices are breaking down barriers to entry for start-ups and reducing or eliminating switching costs for existing manufacturers. Several 3D printing machine manufacturers even offer subscription services for their machines, putting them well within reach of smaller manufacturers and allowing organisation to explore transformation opportunities like digital inventories, distributed manufacturing, and decentralised operations that offer better options for collaboration in local markets.[4]
All this means there’s never been a better time for organisations to consider how they might leverage 3D printing in their production environment. Whether you’re a start-up or a mass manufacturer, examining your business model and assessing the impacts of 3D printing should be the first step in identifying how the technology might benefit product development or supply chain optimisation.
In making these assessments it’s necessary to understand where additive outperforms traditional processes. First, additive facilitates product variation allowing greater flexibility to meet customisation demands. Advances like aerosol and nanoparticle jetting technologies make additive better at producing more complex products like those that require embedded electronics. Finally, efficiencies around material waste, transport costs and the costs of maintaining inventory can be particularly beneficial in competing with those rivals with established value chains.[5]
Armed with a strong understanding of the business model and the potential benefits of the technology an organisation can develop a life-cycle cost analysis identifying where 3D printing
[1] Hitch, J. (2019, February 01). State of 3D Printing 2019: All Grown Up & Ready to Work. Retrieved April 20, 2019, from Industry Week: https://www.industryweek.com/technology-and-iiot/state-3d-printing-2019-all-grown-ready-work
[2] D’Aveni, R. A. (2018, July-August). The 3-D printing playbook. Harvard Business Review, 1-9.
[3] Rodgers, L. (2019, May 1). The Ultimate Guide to 3D Printing Materials. Retrieved from Jabil: https://www.jabil.com/insights/blog-main/3d-printing-materials.html
[4] Yeap, M. (2019, March 1). The Future of 3D Printing – A Glimpse at the Next Generation. Retrieved April 20, 2019, from All3DP: https://all3dp.com/2/future-of-3d-printing-a-glimpse-at-next-generation-making/
[5] D’Aveni, R. A. (2018, July-August). The 3-D printing playbook. Harvard Business Review, 1-9.