How 3D printing technology changes the rules of the game

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present several insights on how disruptive technologies potentially impact the eco-performance of entire supply chains, by providing performance improvements compared to existing technologies, enabling more efficient manufacturing methods and affecting the entire structure of the supply chain. Design/methodology/approach To illustrate the authors’ position, a case from the construction sector is presented, for which the feasibility and impact of 3D printing technology has been studied. The empirical study focuses on the effect of the use of 3D printing technology on the building supply chain, aimed primarily at manufacturing companies in construction, but including suppliers, architects and designers as well. Findings 3D printing of concrete potentially provides several improvements in manufacturing performance, such as a shortening of lead times, integration of functions and allowing for reduced material usage, therefore possibly turning production steps within the construction supply chain obsolete while also reducing logistical and production efforts. Research limitations/implications Whether disruptive technologies other than 3D printing have a similar potential is unknown. Though the case study shows the potential of disruptive technologies in impacting supply chains, the authors realize that more empirical work is needed to understand the underlying mechanisms. Originality/value The originality of this paper lies in relating disruptive technological advancements to manufacturing technologies and transitions of supply chains’ eco-performance.

Guest editorial

“…To facilitate the choice between manufacturing technologies a model is created. Kothman and Faber (2016) in their paper with the title "How 3D printing technology changes the rules of the game: insights from the construction sector" describe the…”

“…This paper, like the previous one (Kothman and Faber, 2016), also addresses consequences of additive manufacturing. Additive manufacturing is described to affect manufacturing and order fulfillment processes of manufacturing companies and also affects the arrangement of actors on the supply and demand-side of these companies.…”

“…It is fascinating to observe that most papers in this issue conclude that additive manufacturing is still adopted in niche applications and thereby complements contemporary manufacturing technologies rather than substitutes them. Kothman and Faber (2016) envision that the construction industry as a whole will change due to additive manufacturing and Steenhuis and Pretorius (2016) claim that the cost of additive manufacturing has now decreased to the point where substitution of complete manufacturing systems become a serious scenario. Are we observing the shift of additive manufacturing from complementary and specialized niches in manufacturing to large-scale substitution of manufacturing technology in several industries?…”

“…Disruptions, changing both the way in which we produce and in which complete value chains are structured, are required for significant improvements in ecological performance of the construction industry. Kothman and Faber (2016) describe how potential performance improvements and efficiency gains in production using additive manufacturing technology may entail a redesign of the structure of value chains. The authors adopt a case-study approach to study disruptive effects in the construction industry.…”

“…Most of the papers still observe that additive manufacturing is operational in niche applications at the side of, or complementary to, traditional large-scale manufacturing technologies. Kothman and Faber (2016) and Steenhuis and Pretorius (2016) envision more large-scale applications of additive manufacturing in the future of industries that they explore, the construction industry and market for consumer households, respectively. It is interesting to see how the authors' visions on niche vs mass market application can be explained in terms of the advantages and disadvantages that they discuss in their papers.…”