Adoption Of Manufacturing Technologies Research Articles

Value-driven clustering of industrial additive manufacturing applications

PurposeA prerequisite for the successful adoption of additive manufacturing (AM) technologies in industry is the identification of areas, where such technologies could offer a clear competitive advantage. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the unique value-adding characteristics of AM, define areas of viable application in a firm value chain and discuss common implications of AM adoption for companies and their processes.Design/methodology/approachThe research leverages a multi-case-study approach and considers interviews with AM adopting companies from the Swiss and central European region in the medical and industrial manufacturing industries. The authors rely on a value chain model comprising a new product development process and an order fulfillment process (OFP) to analyze the benefits of AM technologies.FindingsThe research identifies and defines seven clusters within a firm value chain, where the application of AM could create benefits for the adopting company and its customers. The authors suggest that understanding the AM process chain and the design experience are key to explaining the heterogeneous industrial maturity of the presented clusters. The authors further examine the suitability of AM technologies with agile development techniques to pursue incremental product launches in hardware. It is clearly a field requiring the attention of scholars.Originality/valueThis paper presents a value-driven approach for use-case identification and reveals implications of the industrial implementation of AM technologies. The resultant clustering model provides guidance to new AM adopters.

Requirements for large-scale adoption of rapid manufacturing technologies

Despite the use of Additive Manufacturing (AM) technologies in a lot of applications including the production of some high-value products for end use, it is still very much an untapped potential. T...

Imminent Adoption

The UK needs to speed up its adoption of additive manufacturing technologies if it is to reap the benefits and compete worldwide. James Bakewell reports.

3-Dimensional inkjet printing of macro structures from silver nanoparticles

The adoption of additive manufacturing technology is gaining interest for processing precious metals. In this study, the capability of inkjet printing was explored to fabricate macroscopic parts from commercial silver nanoparticle ink (AgNPs). A bespoke JETx® three dimensional (3D) inkjet printing machine was used to print and subsequently sinter up to 1000 layers of AgNPs using an infrared source. Examination of the sample using X-ray computed tomography and scanning electron microscopy revealed the existence of both micro- and nano-scale pores within the structure. Pinning effect, residual surface temperature, insufficient droplet overlap and surface defects were the key factors contributing to the voids. Elemental mapping confirmed the structure to be composed of 87% of silver along with carbon and oxygen. The 750dpi sample showed a 25% reduction in nanopores and 77% lower micro-pores compared to the 600dpi sample. In terms of hardness, the 750dpi sample was 29% harder than the 600dpi sample, showcasing samples with higher print resolution can contribute towards less voids and improved mechanical properties. Thus by demonstrating the possibility to fabricate dense parts from AgNPs using inkjet technology, this study opens a novel route for processing nano-scale particulates and precious metals in 3D.

Demand-pull and environmental innovations: Estimating the effects of innovative public procurement

This paper contributes to the emerging literature on the adoption of environmental innovation, by investigating the so far unexplored role of governmental demand in stimulating ‘greener’ production choices. Specifically, the role of innovative public procurement in driving the adoption and diffusion of sustainable manufacturing technologies is analysed. Results, based on firm-level data in the 28 Member States of the European Union, Switzerland and the USA, are obtained through non-parametric matching techniques. Those outline the crucial role of innovative public procurement in the uptake of environmental innovations. This confirms the relevance of such policy instrument in allowing countries to achieve a decarbonised and sustainable growth path which is compatible with competitiveness goals.

Informing additive manufacturing technology adoption: total cost and the impact of capacity utilisation

Informing Additive Manufacturing (AM) technology adoption decisions, this paper investigates the relationship between build volume capacity utilisation and efficient technology operation in an inter-process comparison of the costs of manufacturing a complex component used in the packaging industry. Confronting the reported costs of a conventional machining and welding pathway with an estimator of the costs incurred through an AM route utilising Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS), we weave together four aspects: optimised capacity utilisation, ancillary process steps, the effect of build failure and design adaptation. Recognising that AM users can fill unused machine capacity with other, potentially unrelated, geometries, we posit a characteristic of ‘fungible’ build capacity. This aspect is integrated in the cost estimation framework through computational build volume packing, drawing on a basket of sample geometries. We show that the unit cost in mixed builds at full capacity is lower than in builds limited to a single type of geometry; in our study, this results in a mean unit cost overstatement of 157%. The estimated manufacturing cost savings from AM adoption range from 36 to 46%. Additionally, we indicate that operating cost savings resulting from design adaptation are likely to far outweigh the manufacturing cost advantage.

Has Moore's Law Been Repealed? An Economist's Perspective

Moore's law in the semiconductor industry came to mean regular, predictable introductions of new manufacturing technology that enabled denser electronics. Adoption of new manufacturing technology, and its effect on silicon wafer-processing costs, determined how rapidly transistor manufacturing costs declined. In recent years, both cost decline rates and other economically valuable technical benefits flowing from use of the newest chip-making technology seem to have substantially diminished.

Throughput Optimization of Continuous Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing Facilities.

In order to operate profitably under different product demand scenarios, biopharmaceutical companies must design their facilities with mass output flexibility in mind. Traditional biologics manufacturing technologies pose operational challenges in this regard due to their high costs and slow equipment turnaround times, restricting the types of products and mass quantities that can be processed. Modern plant design, however, has facilitated the development of lean and efficient bioprocessing facilities through footprint reduction and adoption of disposable and continuous manufacturing technologies. These development efforts have proven to be crucial in seeking to drastically reduce the high costs typically associated with the manufacturing of recombinant proteins. In this work, mathematical modeling is used to optimize annual production schedules for a single-product commercial facility operating with a continuous upstream and discrete batch downstream platform. Utilizing cell culture duration and volumetric productivity as process variables in the model, and annual plant throughput as the optimization objective, 3-D surface plots are created to understand the effect of process and facility design on expected mass output. The model shows that once a plant has been fully debottlenecked it is capable of processing well over a metric ton of product per year. Moreover, the analysis helped to uncover a major limiting constraint on plant performance, the stability of the neutralized viral inactivated pool, which may indicate that this should be a focus of attention during future process development efforts.LAY ABSTRACT: Biopharmaceutical process modeling can be used to design and optimize manufacturing facilities and help companies achieve a predetermined set of goals. One way to perform optimization is by making the most efficient use of process equipment in order to minimize the expenditure of capital, labor and plant resources. To that end, this paper introduces a novel mathematical algorithm used to determine the most optimal equipment scheduling configuration that maximizes the mass output for a facility producing a single product. The paper also illustrates how different scheduling arrangements can have a profound impact on the availability of plant resources, and identifies limiting constraints on the plant design. In addition, simulation data is presented using visualization techniques that aid in the interpretation of the scientific concepts discussed.

Impact of additive manufacturing technology adoption on supply chain management processes and components

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide a systematic analysis about the effects of additive manufacturing (AM) technology adoption on supply chain management (SCM) processes and SCM components in an engineer-to-order environment. Design/methodology/approach Based on two explorative case studies from the hearing systems industry, the impact of AM technology adoption on SCM processes and SCM components is investigated. General systems theory and the contingency approach serve as theoretical underpinning. Findings Not only the internal processes and management activities, e.g. in manufacturing and order fulfillment, of producers are affected by a changeover to AM, but also the SCM processes and components relating to the supply and demand side of a firm’s supply chain. Endogenous and AM technology-related factors are contingency factors that help to explain differing effects of AM technology adoption on SCM processes and SCM components. Research limitations/implications It is proposed that AM’s ability to economically build custom products provides the potential to alleviate the common dilemma between product variety and scale economies. Practical implications Manufacturing firms are encouraged to consider the potential effects of AM on SCM processes and SCM components when deciding whether to adopt AM technologies in the production of industrial parts. Originality/value The research adds to the widely unexplored effects that AM technology usage in customized parts production has on SCM processes and components. Moreover, the general lack of case studies analyzing the implications of AM technology adoption from a supply chain perspective is addressed. The resulting propositions may serve as a starting point for further research on the impact of AM in engineer-to-order supply chains.

ENABLING SMART MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGIES FOR DECISION-MAKING SUPPORT.

Smart manufacturing combines advanced manufacturing capabilities and digital technologies throughout the product lifecycle. These technologies can provide decision-making support to manufacturers through improved monitoring, analysis, modeling, and simulation that generate more and better intelligence about manufacturing systems. However, challenges and barriers have impeded the adoption of smart manufacturing technologies. To begin to address this need, this paper defines requirements for data-driven decision making in manufacturing based on a generalized description of decision making. Using these requirements, we then focus on identifying key barriers that prevent the development and use of data-driven decision making in industry as well as examples of technologies and standards that have the potential to overcome these barriers. The goal of this research is to promote a common understanding among the manufacturing community that can enable standardization efforts and innovation needed to continue adoption and use of smart manufacturing technologies.

Additive Manufacturing: Policy Needed

The invention and adoption of new manufacturing technologies is arguably critical to maintaining national competitiveness in civil and military aviation. We identify two intertwined problems facing policymakers who seek to expedite adoption of metallic additive manufacturing (MAM) in aviation without compromising safety. First, there is as yet insufficient ability to reliably predict the mechanical properties of MAM-produced parts. Second, consensus standards do not yet exist to adequately control MAM processes for safety-critical components, or to economically and reliably test finished parts. In response, we recommend, first, that policymakers fund and steward the collection and dissemination of the data needed to advance MAM from art to science. Second, strategies must be developed to allow industry to learn by doing: for example, by applying MAM to general aviation. Third, we urge a flexible regulatory posture; perhaps by subjecting rules to sunset clauses that require a substantial rethink at a specified future time.

Additive manufacturing technology adoption: an empirical analysis of general and supply chain-related determinants

Despite experiencing immense growth in the past decade, additive manufacturing (AM) technologies—colloquially known as 3D-printing—are still rarely used in industrial fabrication. Being at the interface between technology, innovation, behavioral science and operations management research, this paper identifies multifaceted factors that determine the decision to adopt AM technologies for the production of industrial parts. A review of the relevant literature revealed eight potential factors. These can be classified into four interdisciplinary categories: technology-related factors, firm-related-factors, market structure-related factors, and supply chain-related factors. Special focus is placed on the impact of supply chain-related issues, because there are indicatives that these aspects have an influence on the decision to adopt AM technologies since AM may offer distinct opportunities for both, the supply- and demand-side of a firm’s operations. No work in the field of manufacturing technology adoption has examined the role of such inter-organizational factors before. The results of an empirical study among 195 firms indicate that demand-side benefits and compatibility are the main determinants of AM technology adoption. This suggests that not only intra- but also inter-organizational factors should be considered when investigating the adoption of technological innovations. Furthermore, it is carved out that the adoption of AM technologies has an interdisciplinary nature.

Accelerating Industrial Adoption of Metal Additive Manufacturing Technology

While metal additive manufacturing (AM) technology has clear benefits, there are still factors preventing its adoption by industry. These factors include the high cost of metal AM systems, the difficulty for machinists to learn and operate metal AM machines, the long approval process for part qualification/certification, and the need for better process controls; however, the high AM system cost is the main barrier deterring adoption. In this paper, we will discuss an America Makes-funded program to reduce AM system cost by combining metal AM technology with conventional computerized numerical controlled (CNC) machine tools. Information will be provided on how an Optomec-led team retrofitted a legacy CNC vertical mill with laser engineered net shaping (LENS®—LENS is a registered trademark of Sandia National Labs) AM technology, dramatically lowering deployment cost. The upgraded system, dubbed LENS Hybrid Vertical Mill, enables metal additive and subtractive operations to be performed on the same machine tool and even on the same part. Information on the LENS Hybrid system architecture, learnings from initial system deployment and continuing development work will also be provided to help guide further development activities within the materials community.

The Adoption of Additive Manufacturing Technology in Sweden

This paper analyzes the adoption of Additive Manufacturing (AM) technologies in Sweden. The dataset consists of a recent and representative sample of Swedish AM users (companies, universities, and research institutes). The authors investigate two questions. Firstly, what are the current applications of AM in Sweden (e.g. Rapid Prototyping (RP), production)? Secondly, what are the factors that can explain the variation in AM adoption among the users? Using a regression analysis technique, the main findings are as follows. (i) There is a variation among users’ choice of AM application, and the majority of users are expanding their AM applications beyond RP. (ii) There are two factors that positively affect the decision of firms to expand classical RP and also incorporate production and management. These two factors are using multiple AM technologies (as opposed to single Fused Deposition Modeling technology) and being small companies. The authors discuss the implication of these results.

The Adoption of Additive Manufacturing Technology in Sweden

Abstract This article analyzes the adoption of additive manufacturing (AM) technologies in Sweden. The data set consists of a recent and representative sample of Swedish AM users (companies, universities, and research institutes). The authors investigate two questions. First, what are the current applications of AM in Sweden (e.g., rapid prototyping [RP], production)? Second, what are the factors that can explain the variation in AM adoption among the users? Using a regression analysis technique, the main findings are as follows. (i) There is a variation among users' choice of AM application, and the majority of users are expanding their AM applications beyond RP. (ii) There are two factors that positively affect the decision of firms to expand classical RP and incorporate production and management as well. These two factors are using multiple AM technologies (as opposed to single fused deposition modeling technology) being small companies. The authors discuss the implication of these results.

Advanced Manufacturing Technology Adoption in Manufacturing Companies in Kenya

Advanced Manufacturing Technology Adoption in Manufacturing Companies in Kenya

Advanced Manufacturing Technology Adoption in Manufacturing Companies in Kenya

Over the past few decades, manufacturing has evolved from a more labor-intensive set of mechanical processes to a sophisticated set of information based technology processes. With the existence of various advanced manufacturing technologies (AMTs), more and more functions or jobs are performed by these machines instead of human labour. This study was undertaken in order to research the extent of AMTs adoption in manufacturing companies in Kenya. In order to investigate a survey was conducted via questionnaires that were sent to 183 selected AMT manufacturing companies in Kenya. 92 companies responded positively. All the surveyed companies were found to have a measure of investment in at least two of the 14 types of AMTs investigated. In general the company surveyed showed that the level of AMT adoption in Kenya is very low with investments levels at a mean of 2.057 and integration levels at a mean of 1.639 in a scale of 1-5.

Bidirectional Evolutionary Structural Optimization (BESO) based design method for lattice structure to be fabricated by additive manufacturing

Unlike traditional manufacturing methods, additive manufacturing can produce parts with complex geometric structures without significant increases in fabrication time and cost. One application of additive manufacturing technologies is the fabrication of customized lattice-skin structures which can enhance performance of products while minimizing material or weight. In this paper, a novel design method for the creation of periodic lattice structures is proposed. In this method, Functional Volumes (FVs) and Functional Surfaces (FSs) are first determined based on an analysis of the functional requirements. FVs can be further decomposed into several sub-FVs. These sub-FVs can be divided into two types: FV with solid and FV with lattice. The initial design parameters of the lattice are selected based on the proposed guidelines. Based on these parameters, a kernel based lattice frame generation algorithm is used to generate lattice wireframes within the given FVs. At last, traditional bidirectional evolutionary structural optimization is modified to optimize distribution of lattice struts’ thickness. The design method proposed in this paper is validated through a case study, and provides an important foundation for the wide adoption of additive manufacturing technologies in the industry.

Reluctant Workforce may Derail the Adoption of Advance Manufacturing Technology in Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises of India

Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) contribute enormously to socio-economic development of a country. A key necessity for maintaining sustainable growth of MSME5 is the adoption of suitable Advance Manufacturing Technologies (AMT) that requires utmost care in human related issues. The investigations on the basis of surveyed 84 MSME5 of India, suggest that the workforce, although engaged in producing quality products, is not keen to reduce the rate of rejection. While implementing suitable AMT in the industrial processes, workforce generally did not accept the technological changes; and a process champion was rarely employed. This reluctance of the workforce towards the adoption of AMT in Indian MSME5 is a major challenge to their ability to sustain in this globally competitive environment. Thus, for improved human resources, an humanitarian and honest attention is essentially required.

Manufacturing Technology Impact on Environmental Factors and Manufacturing Performance

The purpose of this study is to study the impact of manufacturing technology in facilitating lean manufacturers in achieving superior manufacturing performance while operating with by various challenges from external environment. The paper is based on a survey research done on lean manufacturers in Malaysia and their adoption of manufacturing technology to couple the implemented lean system in mitigating challenges. The challenges faced by lean manufacturing firms in many developing countries includes adopting the right technology, using it efficiently and continuously reviewing production technology in order to gain maximum output. Model from this empirical study is expected to contribute towards the enhancement of theory on contingency and its effect on performance. At theoretical level, the study results showed that of manufacturing technology mediate the relationship between environmental factors and performance of lean manufacturers.