Designer/Maker: The Rise of Additive Manufacturing, Domestic-Scale Production and the Possible Implications for the Automotive Industry

Abstract

The rapid development of both digital production tools-such as 3D printers, CNC machines and laser cutters-and Information and Communications Technology (ICT) have provided a means for small scale, distributed poly-nodal Digital Manufacturing to become a viable production method. These tools are enabling individuals to make sophisticated parts and products without formal training at sites of production situated in domestic communities globally. A key contributor to this shift is the Open Source Hardware (OSHW) Maker Movement-a movement made up of a diverse range of individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds and levels of expertise all working towards a common goal of making the tools for making artefacts more accessible. As yet, Industrial Design contribution is limited, with the technology tending to appeal to those who are 'tech-savvy'. However, there are opportunities for designers to use these tools and associated methodologies to make objects that make a difference in ways that have never been possible before. It is likely that, when more commonplace, domestic production tools-additive and subtractive-will change the face of industry as we know it. Is it possible that we will be printing our own cars at home in the future? This paper explores some of the developments in these tools, how they are currently being used in a transport design context and some of the implications for future manufacturing of automobiles.

The Political Imaginaries of 3D Printing: Prompting Mainstream Awareness of Design and Making

“…It offers, for example, a possible way to transcend the global corporate system of off-shored massmanufacturing in the Global South, where (often) poorly-made products are produced under exploitative labor conditions. In theory, manufacturing could be brought back -not just "onshore" -but into local communities and homes, potentially enabling a level of control of production that harkens back to pre-industrial craft and cottage-industry activity (Richardson, Elliott and Haylock 2013;Atkinson 2010, 145;Gershenfeld 2007).…”

“…For example, business analysts Julie Kim and David Robb suggest that 3D printing "could be the key to a new world of niche markets for New Zealand companies" (2014, 16). Likewise, Australian designers, business commentators, and scientists have enthused about the possibility of 3D printing as an industry savior for Australia's flagging manufacturing industry (see for example Barnes 2013;Richardson and Haylock 2012). Other commentators resist the temptation to label single technologies as national industry saviors, focusing more on design thinking and "design-led innovation" as strategies for local renewal in manufacturing (Bucolo 2014).…”

Eklemeli̇ İmalat (3b Baski): Teknoloji̇ler Ve Uygulamalar

“…3B yazıcı kullanılarak üretilen Urbee aracından sonra otomotiv sektöründe eklemeli imalat ile araçlarda kullanılabilecek fonksiyonel son-ürün parçaların üretilebileceği fikri oluĢmaya baĢlamıĢtır. Ev tipi 3B yazıcıların kullanılması ile fabrikalarda maliyetlerin ve tedarik süresinin düĢürülebileceği ve aynı zamanda pres ve büyük Ģekillendirme makinelerinin kapladığı hacmin azaltılması ve üretim hattının sadeleĢtirilebileceği öngörülmektedir (Richardson ve Haylock, 2012).…”

Factors affecting the properties of composites made by 4D printing (moldless composites manufacturing)

“…1 While 3D printing offers an immense range of complexities, the process is relatively slow and it may not be most suitable for mass production. In efforts to take the technology further, the concept of 4D printing was introduced.…”