CARGOCONNECT-OCTOBER2024 - Flipbook - Page 15
3D PRINTING : FOCUS
and environmental issues are deeply interconnected. While additive manufacturing may not solve all these problems, its capacity
to e昀케ciently produce optimised parts closer to the point of use
is crucial for addressing these challenges and maintaining an
industrial society.
Fast Facts
In the Waves
I
n recent years, 3D printing, also known as additive
manufacturing, has emerged as a transformative
technology in supply chain management. With its ability
to produce complex parts directly from digital designs,
3D printing is revolutionising the way products are
manufactured and distributed, signi昀椀cantly impacting
the entire supply chain. This shift is altering traditional
manufacturing paradigms, from reducing lead times
and inventory costs to enabling more sustainable and
customised production methods.
At its core, 3D printing allows for the layer-by-layer construction
of products using materials such as plastics, metals, and ceramics.
Unlike traditional subtractive manufacturing processes, which often
result in signi昀椀cant material waste, 3D printing is inherently more
resource-e昀케cient, using only the material necessary to create the
desired object. This e昀케ciency extends beyond material savings, as
the technology also reduces the need for large production runs and
the associated storage costs. As a result, companies can move from
a “push” model of mass production to a “pull” model, where items
are produced on demand, minimising excess inventory and waste.
The 昀氀exibility o昀昀ered by 3D printing is particularly valuable in
industries that require highly customised products. For example,
the medical sector has seen a surge in the use of 3D printing to
create patient-speci昀椀c implants, prosthetics, and surgical instruments. This customisation is made possible by the ability to quickly
modify digital designs and produce items tailored to individual
needs. Similarly, in the automotive and
aerospace industries, 3D printing enables
the production of lightweight, complex
components that would be difficult or
impossible to manufacture using traditional
methods. This capability not only enhances
product performance but also reduces fuel
consumption and emissions, contributing
to more sustainable supply chains.
Sustainability, in particular, is intrinsically linked to supply chain resilience.
While corporate and national sustainability
e昀昀orts may be motivated by altruism, they
are also driven by practical concerns such
as resource depletion, global warming, and
other ecological challenges that directly
impact logistics. If resources are scarce
or fossil fuels are insu昀케cient to transport
goods, the resilience of the supply chain
is compromised. Thus, logistics networks
* 3D printing, or additive manufacturing, enables the creation
of complex components directly from digital 昀椀les, bypassing
traditional manufacturing methods.
* 3D printing accelerates the transition from design to
prototype, often reducing the timeline from weeks to mere
hours, which speeds up innovation and market entry.
* 3D printing minimises waste by using only the exact
amount of material needed for each part, unlike traditional
methods that often generate excess material.
* 3D printing streamlines the supply chain by eliminating
traditional manufacturing steps such as molding, casting,
and machining.
* 3D printing reduces the risk of supply chain disruptions
by eliminating dependence on a network of suppliers for
various parts and materials.
* 3D printing facilitates on-demand production of spare
parts, thereby decreasing the need for large inventories
and associated storage costs.
3D Printing Reducing Production
Lead Times
Advancements in 3D printing technology now enable manufacturers
to produce products on-demand and just-in-time, signi昀椀cantly
reducing lead times.
Why does this matter? Speed is crucial in today’s highly competitive market. The ability to rapidly move from concept to market
can greatly enhance a company’s competitive edge. By adopting
3D printing, businesses are accelerating their speed-to-market,
distinguishing themselves from rivals.
Additionally, 3D printing addresses persistent supply chain
challenges faced by traditional manufacturing. Producing goods
closer to the customer not only shortens shipping times but also
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