PAGE 31
DISRUPTIVE INNOVATION
INM VOLUME 9 batches and market-entry costs and risks are generally low. Ultimately, the production shop would be like an individual consumer, equipped with 3D printers, able to customize a product, all they will have to do is to download the file from the seller and print the item at home.
Faster Manufacturing: Developing and creating new parts becomes faster with 3DP as it eliminates need of specialised tooling and design of product can be altered right up to moment you press“ go” on 3D printer. Streamlined Maintenance: Because of 3DP machine, repairing work will not require every single component to be procured from the vendor and one can print components when needed. Also, remanufacturing becomes easier since specific components can be made almost immediately.
Just-in-Time 2.0: A highly flexible and adaptive network of 3DP installations could take JIT and operations to whole new level of efficiency. It will be used to produce precise quantities of customized components; late in the final production cycle when more accurate information about demand is available which would change the methods of demand forecasting. Producers use this information to achieve better laisoning between the customer demand and manufacturing operations.
Brings Array of Intelligent products: In long run, 3DP would be used to build“ intelligent” products which will react to changes in the operating environment. This will become reality once we start working with smart and responsive materials such as carbon nanotubes. Some people from MIT are currently working on 3D printed walls that breathe by opening and closing pores.
New Form of Assembly Lines: By working together some tiny organisms build huge structures; like that it is possible to create swarms of 3D printers which will furthur form a network of 3D printers to build large assemblies eliminating large size printers and could be later reconfigured to construct other products.
Treat to Cement and Steel Manufacturing Industry: Recently WinSun a Chinese company built 10 3D printed houses in a day which are easily customized toward the homeowner’ s needs. The process is ecofriendly, which uses mixture of industrial waste such as tailings and glass mixed with ground construction, around a base of quick-drying cement mixed with a hardening agent. This process expects to change the construction process drastically from the noisy, dusty, long, drawn-out experience, which is ultimately a threat to current construction
industry.
Reduced Wastage: A Green Premium: Since 3DP is less wasteful than traditional manufacturing processes, so it reduces the carbon footprints. The design processes will increase functional efficiency and reduce material
content.