Investigation of Applicability of Additive Manufacturing Processes to Appropriate Technologies for Developing Countries

Abstract

In recent years, additive manufacturing (AM) processes have emerged as an important manufacturing technology for a multi-item small sized production to lead the 4th industrial revolution. The layer-by-layer deposition characteristics of AM process can rapidly produce physical parts with three-dimensional geometry and desired functionality in a relatively low cost environment. The goal of this paper is to investigate the applicability of AM process to appropriate technologies for developing countries. Through the review of examples of appropriate technology of the AM process, the possibility of a practical usage of the AM process for the appropriate technologies is examined. In addition, significant applications of the AM process to the appropriate technology are introduced. Finally, future issues related to production of physical parts for developing countries using the AM process are discussed from the viewpoint of the appropriate technology.