Alternative production strategies based on the comparison of additive and traditional manufacturing technologies. Issue 12 (18th June 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Achillas, Charisios; Tzetzis, Dimitrios; Raimondo, Maria Olga
• Is Part Of: International journal of production research. Volume 55:Issue 12(2017)
• Page Start: 3497
• Page End: 3509
• Publication Date: 2017-06-18
• Subjects: decision support systems -- job shop -- lead-time analysis -- manufacturing strategy -- production economics -- additive manufacturing -- 3D printing -- mass customisation; Factory management -- Periodicals; 658.57
• DOI: 10.1080/00207543.2017.1282645
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0020-7543

Abstract

Abstract : Additive manufacturing technology has been evolving for several years. New material options, better processing speeds and greater autonomy are some of the characteristics of this technology that are still under research. However, in its current state, many commercially available 3D printers are competing with traditional manufacturing techniques in the fabrication of end-use products. In this paper, different additive manufacturing technologies are compared with injection moulding in a real-world case study. The comparison is conducted in terms of lead time and total production cost. From the case under study, it becomes obvious that none of the additive manufacturing technologies examined is yet able to practically replace injection moulding for medium- and high production volumes. However, when considering low-volume production, both rapid tooling and additive manufacturing may offer an alternative that could result into shorter lead times and decreased total production costs. In addition, the introduction of Additive Manufacturing in a producer's production portfolio can increase flexibility, reduce warehousing costs and assist the company towards the adoption of a mass customisation business strategy.