3D Printing and Its
Relation with Supply
Chain
3D Printing or Additive Manufacturing can revolutionize supply chain
management with its unique features like speed, flexibility, and
customization. Let's explore how this technology can disrupt traditional
supply chain management.
by Muhammad Arfeen
Introduction to 3D Printing Technology
3D Printing involves layering materials to create a 3D object. These materials can be plastics, metals, or even biological
materials. The process is controlled by a computer, which reads a digital design to create the object.
History and Evolution of 3D Printing
1
2
3
1986
1990s
2005-2010
Chuck Hull invented SLA 3D
Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)
The first open-source 3D printing
printing technology
introduced by S. Scott Crump
projects launch leading to rapid
technological development
Current Applications of 3D Printing
Automotive Industry
Medical Industry
Food Industry
Fashion Industry
3D printing is used for making prototypes,
3D Printing is used to create personalized
Chefs use 3D Printing to create intricate
3D Printing has revolutionized Fashion by
customized tools, and jigs and auto parts.
prosthetics, hearing aids, and even human
shapes like pasta, chocolate, and sweets.
creating intricate designs with geometrical
LG announced a car with 3D printed parts.
organs for transplant surgeries.
shapes and forms.
Challenges with Traditional Supply
Chain Management
1
Inventory Management
2
Production Time
Traditional supply chain
Manufacturing requires lead time,
management relies on mass
which leads to longer delivery
manufacturing and stocking
times for customers. This delay
inventory. This process is
can increase the cost of an item,
expensive and can lead to waste if
and reduce customer satisfaction.
the demand is lower than the
supply.
3
Product Variation
Mass manufacturing of standardized products limits variations, which can be
frustrating for customers who have specific needs or preferences.
How 3D Printing Can Disrupt Traditional Supply
Chain Management
Reduced Production Time
Customization
Innovation
With 3D Printing, manufacturing is
3D Printing enables the
3D Printing gives companies more
done on-demand, which means
customization of each product,
flexibility to create and test new
faster delivery times and eliminates
reducing waste and producing only
products. It also opens up new
the need for a supply chain of
what is required.
design possibilities.
middlemen.
Economic Efficiency
3D Printing is cost-effective for small-scale companies as it requires no specialized tooling or heavy machinery.
Benefits of Integrating 3D Printing into Supply
Chain
1
Reduced Costs
3D printing eliminates the need for traditional manufacturing and distribution costs. By creating products ondemand, businesses can reduce inventory and shipping costs.
2
Flexible and Scalable Manufacturing
3D printing allows businesses to easily and quickly adapt to changing market demands. It also enables
manufacturing to be decentralized and economically efficient.
3
Improved Customization and Innovation
3D printing makes it possible to create unique products that meet specific customer needs that would have been
difficult to produce with traditional manufacturing.
Future Outlook of 3D Printing on Supply Chain
Management
Construction Industry
Medical Industry
Space exploration
3D printing is already being used to construct
3D Printing could be used to make organs for
The ability to print parts in space could be
buildings, and in the future could be used for
transplants, potentially reducing the burden on
revolutionary for long-term space exploration,
entire cities reducing the need for expensive
donor organizations, allowing organs to be
allowing for repairing equipment and creating
transportation costs and waste on job sites
made from a patient’s own cells.
essential parts to keep astronauts safe.