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8: The Business of Additive Manufacturing

  • Page ID
    46567
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    • 8.0: Introduction
      This page discusses the potential of Additive Manufacturing (AM) to transform home construction and emergency management, emphasizing its importance in being cost-effective compared to traditional methods. It addresses the challenges of AM's disruptive nature and the necessity for effective revenue generation.
    • 8.1: Managing AM in Your Business
      This page discusses additive manufacturing (AM) as a transformative technology, citing challenges in adoption for large organizations with established systems. Successful implementation demands clear motivation, strategic planning, and cross-functional teamwork. A preliminary trade study and skill development across teams are essential before committing resources.
    • 8.2: Pre-Production to Production- Factors to Consider in a Business Case
      This page presents the TBGA AM Maturity Model, which details five levels of additive manufacturing maturity: Level 0 (Pre-Production) focuses on prototyping; Level 1 (Production Influence) uses AM for tools; Level 2 (Substitution) produces spare parts; Level 3 (Functional Designs) integrates components; and Level 4 (Multi-Functional) utilizes AM's advantages for performance. It highlights the impact of cost, scope, and schedule throughout these levels.
    • 8.3: The Business Case- Definitions and Considerations
      This page outlines the learning objectives and considerations in additive manufacturing (AM), focusing on cost drivers, trade-offs, and the impact of design on costs. It presents a cost model for specific AM processes such as Metal Laser Powder Bed Fusion and highlights the importance of selecting the right technology based on productivity, specific requirements, and post-processing needs.
    • 8.4: AM Economics
      This page covers the economics and productivity of additive manufacturing (AM) compared to traditional methods. It discusses key factors affecting productivity, cost management, and the importance of aligning AM with downstream processes to optimize efficiency. The text emphasizes efficient material use, investment in workforce skills, and considerations of outsourcing versus insourcing in enhancing AM effectiveness.
    • 8.5: Sustainability Impacts of AM
      This page discusses the benefits of additive manufacturing (AM) in enhancing sustainability by reducing waste, energy use, and inventory. It presents a maturity model that illustrates increasing efficiencies at different adoption levels, emphasizing advantages like reduced raw material needs, on-demand production, and optimized designs. Higher AM integration levels contribute to improved performance and a smaller environmental footprint.
    • 8.6: Summary
      This page discusses how Additive Manufacturing (AM) is transforming production through layer building, requiring a comprehensive evaluation of technology, materials, design, and costs, including post-processing. Each AM method has unique cost factors influenced by innovations. It also highlights sustainability benefits like reduced waste and efficiency. Successful AM implementation depends on aligning processes, technology, and operations for effective business outcomes.
    • 8.7: Key Terms


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