iNM Volume 9 | Page 36

DISRUPTIVE INNOVATION PAGE 30 The above figure illustrate in which case the 3DP can be used effectively . FUTURE IMPACT OF 3DP ON MANUFACTURING Beginning of Revolution in Electronic Hardware Manufacturing One thing lacking in 3DP was the ability to manufacture sensitive electronic components but recently engineers were able to print smaller electrical components such as resistors capacitors inductors and integrated wireless electrical sensing systems Using these parts they printed a wireless smart cap for a milk carton for monitoring spoilage It s a small step but could bring revolution in the mobile and electronic appliances industry : : , , , - . “ ” . ’ , . Will Improve Customisation 3DP in many materials and simple electronics will enable customisation in real time and manufacturing will come closer to the point of consumption Recently Amazon filed a patent application for trucks which will be equipped with 3D printers and able to take online orders and produce the finished product along the journey or at the customer s door that remove the necessity of huge warehouses holding stock and brings down the inventory carrying cost by large percentage especially that of low volume obsolete parts Instead 3DP can be used to produce the parts as needed the management of raw materials inventory also would be streamlined as production processes generate less waste and companies will be able to reduce a large part of capital expenditures on factories and warehouses : . ’ - , . , , . INM VOLUME 9 markets and customers which moving away from more traditional distribution models Around 30 of manufacturers believe that the greatest disruption due to widespread adoption of 3DP will be in restructuring supply chains PricewaterhouseCoopers With 3D printers operating in strategic locations companies will able to manufacture in short runs at multiple sites across the globe The shifts in demands are handled by changing the flexible manufacturing nodes or just by adjusting machine outputs Production units shift easily from one product variant to another without retooling or lengthy line delays Mega factories with large volume capacity could be replaced by networks of nimble and small production shops that tailor products according to customer demand With some creativity marketing skills and ability to process orders on web almost anyone located anywhere would become a manufacturer even if they do not have a machines on site , . % , ( ) , . . . . , , , . 3DP Catalyst for Innovation Due to lowered 3DP technology price manufacturers can also start experimenting without thinking about return on investment which helps to push and explore the potential of this disruptive technology In upcoming times we ll experience rapid product development through prototyping and will start making products to order Small players whould have the the tool to bring brand new products with properties which are not possible using the old techniques It will challenge established companies to think about way they design and create objects as well as distribution channel used to reach consumers In this environment the law of economies of scale will not hamper innovations because it is economically feasible to make products in small - : , . ’ . , . , Restructuring Supply Chains into Agile Supply Chains Now companies are continuously looking for new ways to get products to market in less time and become more flexible in adapting products to local : . ,