3D Printing Services Research Articles

Improving 3D printing laboratory operations: a case studyof lean six sigma implementation

Managing a three-dimensional (3D) printing facility was found to be more challenging than using the technology. Our research laboratory provides 3D printing services to students and faculty who need the technology to fullfill their education or research objectives. Students enrolled in Senior Design classes, in particular, rely on the availability of services to support their capstone projects. While demand increases, the laboratory becomes less efficient and sometimes chaotic. To improve the operations, Lean Six Sigma methods were applied to enhance effectiveness and efficiency. Through a DMAIC project, we enhanced the availability of resources for requestors and prevented delay or accumulation of work. The new operating procedures enabled the laboratory to provide quicker services with fewer mistakes. This case study demonstrates that Lean Six Sigma is not only useful in manufacturing but also in research and educational settings.

ImseStudio: blockchain-enabled secure digital twin platform for service manufacturing

The manufacturing industry is experiencing a service-oriented transformation in the digitalisation era. However, many small and middle enterprises (SMEs) still rely on traditional manufacturing patterns in which they can hardly servitise manufacturing resources due to the limited budget and poor digitalisation capability. To servitise manufacturing resources, this paper proposes unified five-layer blockchain-enabled secure digital twin platform architecture, followed by its core enabling components and technologies. Firstly, a service-oriented digital twinning model is developed to transform physical resources into digital services. Secondly, a rule-based off-chain matching mechanism is designed to bridge customers’ orders with manufacturing services. Thirdly, service-oriented architecture (SOA) is adopted as the major methodology to design and develop the whole blockchain platform. Four blockchain frontend services are developed using React.js, whilst the blockchain backend is developed using private Ethereum blockchain and InterPlanetary File System (IPFS). Finally, an experimental case is conducted based on the 3D printing scenario to verify the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed platform, named imseStudio. The results show that it not only provides an effective solution to digitalise manufacturing resources but also promotes the transformation towards service manufacturing. Highlights Blockchain-enabled secure digital twin platform is developed to servitise manufacturing resources Service-oriented digital twinning model is developed to transform physical resources into digital services Rule-based off-chain matching mechanism is built to bridge customers’ orders with 3D printer Four blockchain explorers are developed to facilitate 3D printing services

3D printing: Making an innovative technology widely accessible through makerspaces and outsourced services

This paper looks into the emerging trends of makerspaces and outsourced 3D printing services, and examines the natural progression between them. Also, by presenting survey empirical data, it investigates the reasons why individual users and enterprises have started to choose such services and the benefits acquired from this choice, that lead to the promotion of creativity, innovation, and competition. Fundamental working principles both for makerspaces and outsourced 3D printing services are being analyzed. Through the conduction of a survey among two different makerspaces’ users, authors attempt to further clarify the factors that motivate users to choose to participate in makerspaces or use the services offered by an outsourced 3D printing provider. 3D printing technologies have been recognized as being the new industrial revolution. However, because of the nature of the additive manufacturing process, a high level of expertise is required in order to accomplish an acceptable result. The recent proliferation of makerspaces as well as outsourced 3D printing services offers alternative solutions towards overcoming the aforementioned challenges. Makerspaces are currently growing rapidly, aiming to help local communities to get accustomed with emerging manufacturing technologies such as 3D printing, especially in modern STEM educational practices. On the other hand, outsourcing has emerged as one of the top business practices of our time due to its numerous benefits for the companies involved. The paper makes a comparison between makerspaces and outsourced services and presents relevant original survey data from users.

Towards sustainable industry 4.0: A green real-time IIoT multitask scheduling architecture for distributed 3D printing services

As the keystones of the personalized manufacturing, the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) consolidated with 3D printing pave the path for the era of Industry 4.0 and smart manufacturing. By resembling the age of craft manufacturing, Industry 4.0 expedites the alteration from mass production to mass customization. When distributed 3D printers (3DPs) are shared and collaborated in the IIoT, a promising dynamic, globalized, economical, and time-effective manufacturing environment for customized products will appear. However, the optimum allocation and scheduling of the personalized 3D printing tasks (3DPTs) in the IIoT in a manner that respects the customized attributes submitted for each model while satisfying not only the real-time requirements but also the workload balancing between the distributed 3DPs is an inevitable research challenge that needs further in-depth investigations. Therefore, to address this issue, this paper proposes a real-time green-aware multi-task scheduling architecture for personalized 3DPTs in the IIoT. The proposed architecture is divided into two interconnected folds, namely, allocation and scheduling. A robust online allocation algorithm is proposed to generate the optimal allocation for the 3DPTs. This allocation algorithm takes into consideration meeting precisely the customized user-defined attributes for each submitted 3DPT in the IIoT as well as balancing the workload between the distributed 3DPs simultaneously with improving their energy efficiency. Moreover, meeting the predefined deadline for each submitted 3DPT is among the main objectives of the proposed architecture. Consequently, an adaptive real-time multi-task priority-based scheduling (ARMPS) algorithm has been developed. The built ARMPS algorithm respects both the dynamicity and the real-time requirements of the submitted 3DPTs. A set of performance evaluation tests has been performed to thoroughly investigate the robustness of the proposed algorithm. Simulation results proved the robustness and scalability of the proposed architecture that surpasses its counterpart state-of-the-art architectures, especially in high-load environments.

Development and Application of 3D Printing Service Platform under the Background of Internet

With the development of the times, the Internet has been greatly developed, because with the development of modern life, people􀆳s material standard of living requirements is getting higher and higher, so some people suddenly wonder, the Internet and traditional enterprises to join forces to conveniently enrich our lives. As a new technology in modern society, 3D technology has the function of printing things anytime, anywhere, and is sought after. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to develop and apply the 3D printing service platform based on the Internet background. After understanding the history of 3D printing technology and the demand and ownership of 3D printing in recent years, we compared the existing technology, using the Internet platform and a variety of intelligent algorithms to build the service platform, to conduct experiments. Experimental results show that the 3D printing service platform based on the Internet background can meet the needs of some people and facilitate people􀆳s lives.

Evaluation of Cloud 3D Printing Order Task Execution Based on the AHP-TOPSIS Optimal Set Algorithm and the Baldwin Effect.

Focusing on service control factors, rapid changes in manufacturing environments, the difficulty of resource allocation evaluation, resource optimization for 3D printing services (3DPSs) in cloud manufacturing environments, and so on, an indicator evaluation framework is proposed for the cloud 3D printing (C3DP) order task execution process based on a Pareto optimal set algorithm that is optimized and evaluated for remotely distributed 3D printing equipment resources. Combined with the multi-objective method of data normalization, an optimization model for C3DP order execution based on the Pareto optimal set algorithm is constructed with these agents’ dynamic autonomy and distributed processing. This model can perform functions such as automatic matching and optimization of candidate services, and it is dynamic and reliable in the C3DP order task execution process based on the Pareto optimal set algorithm. Finally, a case study is designed to test the applicability and effectiveness of the C3DP order task execution process based on the analytic hierarchy process and technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (AHP-TOPSIS) optimal set algorithm and the Baldwin effect.

Cloud Manufacturing, Internet of Things-Assisted Manufacturing and 3D Printing Technology: Reliable Tools for Sustainable Construction

The United Nations (UN) 2030 agenda on sustainable development goals (SDGs) encourages us to implement sustainable infrastructure and services for confronting challenges such as large energy consumption, solid waste generation, depletion of water resources and emission of greenhouse gases in the construction industry. Therefore, to overcome challenges and establishing sustainable construction, there is a requirement to integrate information technology with innovative manufacturing processes and materials science. Moreover, the wide implementation of three-dimensional printing (3DP) technology in constructing monuments, artistic objects, and residential buildings has gained attention. The integration of the Internet of Things (IoT), cloud manufacturing (CM), and 3DP allows us to digitalize the construction for providing reliable and digitalized features to the users. In this review article, we discuss the opportunities and challenges of implementing the IoT, CM, and 3D printing (3DP) technologies in building constructions for achieving sustainability. The recent convergence research of cloud development and 3D printing (3DP) are being explored in the article by categorizing them into multiple sections including 3D printing resource access technology, 3D printing cloud platform (3D–PCP) service architectures, 3D printing service optimized configuration technology, 3D printing service evaluation technology, and 3D service control and monitoring technology. This paper also examines and analyzes the limitations of existing research and, moreover, the article provides key recommendations such as automation with robotics, predictive analytics in 3DP, eco-friendly 3DP, and 5G technology-based IoT-based CM for future enhancements.

A probabilistic-based extendable quantitative evaluation method for 3D printing service in cloud manufacturing

By enabling consumer products to be produced on demand and eliminating waste caused by excessive production and transportation, 3D Printing Cloud Services (3DPCSs) are increasingly welcomed by non-professional customers. With more and more 3D printers becoming available on various 3DPCS platforms, the evaluation and selection problem of 3DPCS has attracted much attention for both novices and experienced users. In this paper, we propose a probabilistic-based extendable quantitative evaluation method for 3DPCS evaluation. This method combines the advantages of the information transformation technique, the multinomial distribution probabilistic model, and the uncertainty based weighting method. Evaluation factors, the major attributes that significantly affect the performance of a 3DPCS, are modeled using probabilistic models. At the same time, historical service data is introduced to dynamically identify and update the evaluation factors. Based on these parameters, the proposed quantitative evaluation method can support the evaluation and comparison of 3DPCSs. Numerical simulation experiments are designed and implemented. The corresponding results verify the effectiveness of the proposed evaluation model. The presented evaluation method can serve as the basis of service evaluation and selection on a 3DPCS platform. Although the focus of this work is on 3DPCS, the idea can apply to other types of cloud manufacturing services.

Optimization of Process Parameters for Fabricating Polylactic Acid Filaments Using Design of Experiments Approach.

The amount of wasted polylactic acid (PLA) is increasing because 3D printing services are an increasingly popular offering in many fields. The PLA is widely employed in the fused deposition modeling (FDM) since it is an environmentally friendly polymer. However, failed prototypes or physical models can generate substantial waste. In this study, the feasibility of recycling PLA waste plastic and re-extruded it into new PLA filaments was investigated. An automatic PLA filament extruder was first developed for fabricating new PLA filaments. This paper also discusses the process, challenges, and benefits of recycling PLA waste plastic in an effort to fabricate new PLA filaments more sustainable. It was found that it was possible to fabricate PLA filament using recycled PLA waste plastic. The production cost is only 60% of the commercially available PLA filament. The tensile strength of the developed PLA filament is approximately 1.1 times that of the commercially available PLA filament. The design of experiments approach was employed to investigate the optimal process parameters for fabricating PLA filaments. The most important control factor affecting the diameter of PLA filament is the barrel temperature, followed by recycled material addition ratio, extrusion speed, and cooling distance. The optimal process parameters for fabricating PLA filament with a diameter of 1.7 mm include the barrel temperature of 184 °C, extrusion speed of 490 mm/min, cooling distance of 57.5 mm, and recycled material addition ratio of 40%.

Game theory based multi-task scheduling of decentralized 3D printing services in cloud manufacturing

To improve the multi-task scheduling competitivenesss of the distributed three-dimensional (3D) printing services with different types in cloud manufacturing, a non-cooperative game model of 3D printing services is proposed to reduce completion time, cost and to improve service quality. Moreover, the non-cooperative game consists of two kinds of sub-game to work together. Some service attributes, such as moving speed of nozzle, model dimension, 3D printing precision, 3D printing material, and pricing mode, are considered in the model. In order to obtain the expected solution, a two-layer nested method based on genetic algorithm is developed to improve scheduling efficiency. An industrial case is given to verify the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method. The results show that it has a better performance than traditional scheduling methods.

Additive manufacturing embraces big data

Additive manufacturing (AM) is a relatively novel method to fabricate 3D objects by adding layer-upon-layer materials. As one of the most anticipated techniques in recent years, AM already made advances in design, production, and supply chain process of the manufacturing industry. AM is a digital manufacturing technology in which a massive amount of data is generated during the process. Accordingly, obtaining useful information from these data to improve current AM technology becomes a challenge. Meanwhile, Big Data research provides an ideal solution for dealing with the massive data obtained from AM processes. Besides the contributions in the AM research and production, Big Data analysis methods can also be used to help designers and engineers by collecting valuable information from clients and customers. From a business perspective, the manufacturing sector will benefit from the established Big Data sharing platform to promote and popularize new products. On the other hand, customers will obtain desired commodities with the help of a new-type 3D printing service system. The goal of this article is to summarize the contributions from the existing literature in the AM and Big Data field and prospect how Big Data methods can offer a better future for AM technology. It also introduces recent developments in AM technology combined with the internet of things (IoT), cloud, and cybersecurity. Future directions in AM and Big Data, which include AM data unification, completed AM data-sharing platform, and smart AM production process is pointed out as well.

3D printing filament recycling for a more sustainable library makerspace

3D printing services are an increasingly popular offering in many academic library makerspaces. However, failed prints, and simply the printing process itself, can generate substantial waste. Through a grant from a regional library consortium, the feasibility of recycling waste 3D plastic and reconstituting it into new 3D printing filament was explored and tested. Other 3D printing makerspaces on campus have asked about recycling waste filament or providing that material to the library to recycle. This paper will discuss the methodology, benefits, and challenges of recycling 3D printing filament in an effort to make 3D printing more sustainable.

Implementation of 3D printing and the effect on decision making in logistics management

PurposeFrom a synthesis of literature, the purpose of this paper is to present a conceptual service development methodology showing the impact of 3D printing as a disruptive technology to the service portfolio. The methodology is designed to support practitioners and academics in better understanding the impact of disruptive technologies may have to the service portfolio and participate in the technology.Design/methodology/approachA literature review is conducted and based on these findings a conceptual framework has been developed.FindingsThe design of a methodology for the development of 3D printing services is used to evaluate the disruption potential of 3D printing and to implement the technology in the service portfolio of a logistics service provider. The disruption potential of 3D printing influences a logistics manager by make to order decisions. In addition, it could be proven the service portfolio was diversified.Research limitations/implicationsLiterature directly dealing with technology-based service development for decision making in logistics management is rare and thus the methodology is built on insights, compiled from the distinct research areas. Further research should be performed on this nascent topic.Practical implicationsLogistics service providers may use the developed methodology to revise their service portfolio by the consideration of disruptive technologies, in order to reduce strategic misdecisions regarding the range of services.Originality/valueThis paper looks specifically at decision making for implementing disruptive technologies to the service portfolio.

Overview of the use of 3D printing in forensic medicine

AbstractIn forensic medicine the use of so-called 3D printing is a niche application, whereas developments elsewhere in this field are rapidly advancing worldwide. The most common and widespread technology is fusion deposit modelling with polylactic acids (PLA). Although the equipment and materials may be relatively inexpensive and 3D printing relatively fast, the resulting end products tend to also have negative properties, such as poor durability and mechanical anisotropy, which may be an issue depending on the application. In forensic medicine, applications in the field of weapons technology and biomechanical models are realistic and 3D printing is already being used for demonstrations at court hearings and in teaching and also as a technique for building spare parts or accessories. Having a low-cost option for rapid prototyping on-site is particularly useful for the development phase. For finished 3D designs more expensive manufacturing options with a choice of materials with significantly broader mechanical or thermal properties are available. As the technology is undergoing major changes, one should carefully consider whether to enter the field oneself, buy own hardware, use a 3D printing service or seek cooperation possibly with a nearby partner.

Feature: Beating the COVID-19 Surge: How Allina Health Doubled Its ICU Capacity in Eight Weeks.

Feature: Beating the COVID-19 Surge: How Allina Health Doubled Its ICU Capacity in Eight Weeks.

Business model design for novel technologies in nascent industries: An investigation of 3D printing service providers

3D printing services are theorized to facilitate the transformative capacity of novel 3D printing technology. However, research lacks a precise understanding of how firms conduct business in this nascent industry. This paper examines the business model designs of 3D printing service providers by applying an original mixed-methods approach of qualitative content analysis and cluster analysis. We extract and compare the narratives that 141 service providers use to describe their businesses to discover latent business model design patterns. Results indicate that there are five distinct patterns, namely “the digital market place model”, “the single-tech specialist model”, “the local service center model”, “the multi-tech champion model”, and “the allrounder model”. These patterns are fundamentally intertwined with specific 3D printing processes and digital technologies. Results also reveal that firms currently utilize key advantages of 3D printing such as sustainability aspects insufficiently in their business models. By disentangling the business model designs, our research extends prior knowledge and contributes to a more precise understanding of the value propositions, value creation, and value capture. Further, we add to a more elaborated and accurate understanding of the interplay between business model design and novel technology in nascent industries.

Research on 3D printing service model for innovation, entrepreneurship, and universal applications

In recent years, the attention of 3D printing technology has been increasing. With the development of the Internet, domestic 3D printing cloud platform services have begun to emerge. The emergence of 3D printing service platform solves the problems of equipment dispersion and talent shortage in the 3D printing industry as much as possible, and further promotes the promotion and development of 3D printing in China. Through the analysis of the existing 3D printing service platform in China and the innovation of Maker, the authors propose a 3D printing service model supporting innovation, entrepreneurship and popular applications. To design a 3D printing service platform with product customisation application, creative trading, printing services, and other functions, Spring MVC and Three.js technologies are used. After the later testing, the platform can complete the corresponding printing tasks according to user requirements.

Consensus-oriented cloud manufacturing based on blockchain technology: An exploratory study

In the era of cloud computing and Industry 4.0, significant research efforts on cloud manufacturing have been witnessed in recent years. Nevertheless, challenges, such as issues of trust, safety, payment, remain in this emerging area, which cause less confidence for industry to adopt cloud manufacturing. In this regard, the recent development of blockchain technology provides a potential viable solution thanks to its unique advantages in decentralization and security. As such, we propose a new framework of cloud manufacturing by integrating the blockchain technology. In essence, consensus-oriented mechanisms are employed to generate the operating standards for the blockchain cloud manufacturing model. Moreover, based on the open source Ethereum code, we construct a simulation case study for 3D printing services using the proposed framework. A consortium or federated blockchain is simulated which uses Proof-of-Authority (PoA) as the consensus algorithm of block generation. The simulation involves 939 job requests from 100 users, as well as 10 service providers. The k-nearest neighbors (KNN) algorithm is employed to recommend the service provider for each request. The results show that the provider’s score of service evaluation tends to be stabilize, and 934 requests for service are successfully fulfilled by the appropriate providers while the remaining 5 requests fail to be serviced.

Stencil‐based 3D facial relief creation from RGBD images for 3D printing

Three‐dimensional (3D) selfie services, one of the major 3D printing services, print 3D models of an individual s face via scanning....

Modeling of Cloud 3D Printing Service Hyper-Network in Service-Oriented Manufacturing Systems

According to the theory of a complex network, the overall characteristics are derived from complex interactions among its components, that is, network structure. For its service network, its overall characteristics are its functions. In view of the coordinated linkage between the 3D printing industry and the logistics industry, 3D printing is deeply integrated with Internet technology, digital casting technology and Internet + service platforms. We propose a hyper-network model of raw material suppliers, semi-finished product processors and finished product manufacturers that realize on-demand customization. To analyse, design, and build the cloud 3D printing manufacturing capability service competition network, we propose a 3D printing service node structure model based on a super network using a reference and cloud manufacturing service model. The model's mathematical structure is given in detail. Under this condition, it is necessary to discuss the interaction between the logistics service level, productivity level and product processing quantity. The process of the proposed model and method is given, and the validity is proven with a case study of a Cloud 3D printing service hyper-network in service-oriented manufacturing systems.