The next frontier: New technologies will enable cost‐effective customization

Abstract

Purpose

“Rapid Manufacturing”, which is the use of additive fabrication (AF) processes to deliver end‐use parts and products directly from digital data, is increasingly gaining wider acceptance. And, although the market for this will take years to develop fully, compelling examples of rapid manufacturing are already stimulating the development of the next generation of systems. The aim of this paper is to discuss the Custom‐Fit project whose aim is to keep Europe in the forefront of rapid manufacturing developments.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper investigates the Custom‐Fit project.

Findings

The paper finds that this industry‐led project has been investigating, since 2004, the possibility of moving towards knowledge‐based manufacturing and customized production through integration of knowledge in rapid manufacturing, information technology and material science.

Originality/value

The paper provides useful information in one of Europe's forerunners in rapid manufacturing developments.

Citation

(2008), "The next frontier: New technologies will enable cost‐effective customization", Strategic Direction, Vol. 24 No. 8, pp. 30-32. https://doi.org/10.1108/02580540810884656