Role of Additive Manufacturing in Supply Chains Today
Open Access
- Author:
- Rosenbaum, Sarah Weiss
- Area of Honors:
- Supply Chain and Information Systems
- Degree:
- Bachelor of Science
- Document Type:
- Thesis
- Thesis Supervisors:
- Dr. Robert Alexander Novack, Thesis Supervisor
Dr. John C. Spychalski, Thesis Honors Advisor - Keywords:
- Additive Manufacturing
3D Printing - Abstract:
- Additive manufacturing, commonly referred to as 3D printing, is quickly gaining attention in a wide range of industries and markets. From tech enthusiasts, to a generation of “makers,” to aerospace engineers, 3D printing provides hope for something revolutionary. While the future holds much potential for tremendous advancements with additive manufacturing, this research will focus on the viable uses of the technology today. It will analyze industries and products, specifically parts, that can benefit from the use of additive printers. Through the identification of common qualities and criteria, the research will help determine the feasibility of using additive manufacturing. Through extensive research of already existing technologies and successful production of goods, a framework will be created to allow businesses to identify areas that could benefit from additive manufacturing. The research will evaluate the opportunity, benefits, limitations, and needs of additive manufacturing for three main industries: Medical, Military, and Aerospace. The final framework will provide suggestions for the type of parts that should be produced via additive manufacturing. Parts that could benefit from additive manufacturing will fall under the following characteristics: unique, timely, costly, and high quality. With the rapid progression of technology today, this thesis will need to be adapted and changed to account for new advancements in the future. The basis of the framework will remain suitable for future analysis; however, the content will need to be updated.