CARGOCONNECT-OCTOBER2024 - Flipbook - Page 16
FOCUS : 3D PRINTING
DAVID PREZZANO
SVP and Global Head of Go-toMarket, Personalisation and
3D Printing, HP
Revolutionary Industry 4.0
technologies, notably 3D
printing, are rising in popularity
as a holistic tool that can be
implemented into numerous
stages of the production process. This refocus on transferring
operations to those that can withstand supply chain volatility
has pushed more businesses across a range of industries
towards 3D printing as its benefits over traditional tools are
revealed. As such, we have had the opportunity to work and
partner with companies across various industries to bring
new, innovative 3D printing applications to life. As more global
businesses prioritise tools that enable supply chain resilience,
we expect to see more countries adopt a supply chain-first
approach, and, as a result, greater utilisation of Industry 4.0
technologies that enable such workflows.
JÁNOS VÁRADI
Director– Product Design Quality,
Data and Analytics, SAP
Because 3D printing production
can be situated closer to
the consumer location,
manufacturing organisations
leveraging this technology
can build shorter, stronger and more resilient supply chains.
Physical inventory is the weak point in any supply chain. But
with printing on-demand capability, inventory becomes digital.
Engineers and manufacturers can send the design file to the
3D printer nearest the next step in the supply chain, whether it
is the manufacturer receiving the component or the consumer
receiving the final product. Then, there is less need to store
and incrementally move inventory. Instead, parts can be printed
and shipped the shortest practical distance, thus reducing CO2
emissions and boosting supply chain resilience.
16 | CARGOCONNECT OCTOBER 2024
reduces transportation-related concerns. This localised production
approach contributes to a lower carbon footprint, bene昀椀ting both
the environment and the company’s sustainability goals.
Case Studies
General Electric (GE) is at the forefront of integrating 3D printing
technology, particularly within their aviation division. They utilise
3D printing to manufacture fuel nozzles for jet engines, which has
signi昀椀cantly accelerated production rates. This technology allows
for on-demand fabrication of replacement components, reducing
both inventory and logistics costs. (Source: GE Reports).
In a similar vein, Invisalign, a leader in orthodontics, employs
3D printing to produce custom braces for their patients. Instead
of maintaining a large stock of pre-made braces, Invisalign now
prints each brace as per individual orders. This shift to on-demand
production has notably shortened lead times and lowered inventory
costs. (Source: Yahoo Finance).
Moreover, 3D printing is driving a shift in the geographic
distribution of manufacturing. Traditionally, production has been
concentrated in low-cost regions, often far from the end consumers. This model has led to long and complex supply chains, with
products being shipped across multiple borders before reaching
their final destination. However, with 3D printing, companies
can establish smaller, decentralised production facilities closer to
the point of consumption. This approach, known as distributed
manufacturing, reduces transportation costs, shortens lead times,
and enhances the ability to respond to local market demands.
Additionally, by eliminating the need for large-scale factories and
extensive logistics networks, distributed manufacturing can help
mitigate risks associated with global supply chain disruptions, such
as those experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The impact of 3D printing on supply chain management is not
limited to manufacturing processes alone. It also extends to spare
parts and maintenance operations. In industries where equipment
downtime can lead to signi昀椀cant 昀椀nancial losses, having access
to spare parts quickly and e昀케ciently is critical. Traditional supply
chains often involve long lead times for spare parts, particularly
for older or less common equipment. However, with 3D printing,
companies can produce spare parts on demand, either in-house or
through local service providers. This capability reduces reliance on
centralised inventories and improves the speed of repairs, ultimately
leading to increased operational e昀케ciency and reduced costs.
Furthermore, 3D printing is enabling new business models
in the supply chain. Companies are increasingly adopting “digital
inventory” strategies, where physical inventories of spare parts
