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1 – 10 of 444Jose Orlando Montes and F. Xavier Olleros
This article explores a particular on-demand fabrication unit, the microfactory (MF). It identifies and contrasts several MFs and proposes a taxonomy. This research also explores…
Abstract
Purpose
This article explores a particular on-demand fabrication unit, the microfactory (MF). It identifies and contrasts several MFs and proposes a taxonomy. This research also explores online manufacturing platforms (OMP) that complement certain MFs.
Design/methodology/approach
This research implements a multiple case study (71 cases in 21 countries), triangulating data available on the web with interviews, virtual/physical tours and experiential research.
Findings
The results suggest that automation and openness are the main dimensions that differentiate the MFs. Using these dimensions, a taxonomy of MFs is created. MFs with relatively low automation and high openness tend to be innovation-driven microfactories (IDMFs). MFs with high automation and low openness levels tend to be customization-driven microfactories (CDMFs). And MFs with relatively low automation and low openness tend to be classic machine shops (MSs). There are two types of OMP: closed (COMPs) and multisided (MOMPs). MOMPs can be low-end or high-end.
Practical implications
In a world where online platforms are becoming central to the reinvention of manufacturing, multisided online platforms and small fabricators will become strongly symbiotic.
Originality/value
This paper offers a clearer conceptualization of MFs and OMPs, which may help to better understand the reality of local on-demand fabrication. Moreover, it explores a new type of experiential research, which tries to describe and interpret firms through transactional activities. Many details of a firm that are difficult to capture via interviews and netnography can be revealed this way.
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Jose Orlando Montes and F. Xavier Olleros
The purpose of this paper is to explore the microfactory model, the elements that enable it and its implications. The authors argue that microfactories reduce the risks and costs…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the microfactory model, the elements that enable it and its implications. The authors argue that microfactories reduce the risks and costs of innovation and that they can move various industries toward more local, adaptive and sustainable business ecosystems.
Design/methodology/approach
This conceptual paper explores several processes and practices that are relatively new; hence, it uses online secondary sources (e.g. interviews with CEOs, videos, blogs and trade magazine articles) extensively.
Findings
Given its versatility and high automation levels, the microfactory model can fill the gap between artisanal and mass production processes, boost the rate of innovation, and enable the local on-demand fabrication of customized products.
Practical implications
Currently, manufacturers generally need to make large investments when launching a new product, despite high uncertainty about customer acceptance, thus risking considerable losses. The microfactory model offers a safer alternative by allowing a firm to develop and fabricate new products and test their acceptance in a local market before mass producing them. Microfactories also enable the local on-demand fabrication of highly customized products.
Originality/value
This paper contributes to the discussion on the economic advantages and disadvantages of scale and scope, which have been insufficiently explored in the digital domain.
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Sathies T., Senthil P. and Anoop M.S.
Fabrication of customized products in low volume through conventional manufacturing incurs a high cost, longer processing time and huge material waste. Hence, the concept of…
Abstract
Purpose
Fabrication of customized products in low volume through conventional manufacturing incurs a high cost, longer processing time and huge material waste. Hence, the concept of additive manufacturing (AM) comes into existence and fused deposition modelling (FDM), is at the forefront of researches related to polymer-based additive manufacturing. The purpose of this paper is to summarize the research works carried on the applications of FDM.
Design/methodology/approach
In the present paper, an extensive review has been performed related to major application areas (such as a sensor, shielding, scaffolding, drug delivery devices, microfluidic devices, rapid tooling, four-dimensional printing, automotive and aerospace, prosthetics and orthosis, fashion and architecture) where FDM has been tested. Finally, a roadmap for future research work in the FDM application has been discussed. As an example for future research scope, a case study on the usage of FDM printed ABS-carbon black composite for solvent sensing is demonstrated.
Findings
The printability of composite filament through FDM enhanced its application range. Sensors developed using FDM incurs a low cost and produces a result comparable to those conventional techniques. EMI shielding manufactured by FDM is light and non-oxidative. Biodegradable and biocompatible scaffolds of complex shapes are possible to manufacture by FDM. Further, FDM enables the fabrication of on-demand and customized prosthetics and orthosis. Tooling time and cost involved in the manufacturing of low volume customized products are reduced by FDM based rapid tooling technique. Results of the solvent sensing case study indicate that three-dimensional printed conductive polymer composites can sense different solvents. The sensors with a lower thickness (0.6 mm) exhibit better sensitivity.
Originality/value
This paper outlines the capabilities of FDM and provides information to the user about the different applications possible with FDM.
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John Robinson, Arun Arjunan, Ahmad Baroutaji, Miguel Martí, Alberto Tuñón Molina, Ángel Serrano-Aroca and Andrew Pollard
The COVID-19 pandemic emphasises the need for antiviral materials that can reduce airborne and surface-based virus transmission. This study aims to propose the use of additive…
Abstract
Purpose
The COVID-19 pandemic emphasises the need for antiviral materials that can reduce airborne and surface-based virus transmission. This study aims to propose the use of additive manufacturing (AM) and surrogate modelling for the rapid development and deployment of novel copper-tungsten-silver (Cu-W-Ag) microporous architecture that shows strong antiviral behaviour against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).
Design/methodology/approach
The research combines selective laser melting (SLM), in-situ alloying and surrogate modelling to conceive the antiviral Cu-W-Ag architecture. The approach is shown to be suitable for redistributed manufacturing by representing the pore morphology through a surrogate model that parametrically manipulates the SLM process parameters: hatch distance (h_d), scan speed (S_s) and laser power (L_p). The method drastically simplifies the three-dimensional (3D) printing of microporous materials by requiring only global geometrical dimensions solving current bottlenecks associated with high computed aided design data transfer required for the AM of porous materials.
Findings
The surrogate model developed in this study achieved an optimum parametric combination that resulted in microporous Cu-W-Ag with average pore sizes of 80 µm. Subsequent antiviral evaluation of the optimum architecture showed 100% viral inactivation within 5 h against a biosafe enveloped ribonucleic acid viral model of SARS-CoV-2.
Research limitations/implications
The Cu-W-Ag architecture is suitable for redistributed manufacturing and can help reduce surface contamination of SARS-CoV-2. Nevertheless, further optimisation may improve the virus inactivation time.
Practical implications
The study was extended to demonstrate an open-source 3D printed Cu-W-Ag antiviral mask filter prototype.
Social implications
The evolving nature of the COVID-19 pandemic brings new and unpredictable challenges where redistributed manufacturing of 3D printed antiviral materials can achieve rapid solutions.
Originality/value
The papers present for the first time a methodology to digitally conceive and print-on-demand a novel Cu-W-Ag alloy that shows high antiviral behaviour against SARS-CoV-2.
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Brett P. Conner, Guha P. Manogharan and Kerry L. Meyers
The purpose of this paper is to examine the implementation of entry-level printers in small businesses and education to identify corresponding benefits, implications and…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the implementation of entry-level printers in small businesses and education to identify corresponding benefits, implications and challenges.
Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected from four small businesses in northeast Ohio through survey- and interview-based feedback to develop an understanding of their use of entry-level 3D printing. Three businesses are representative of typical manufacturing-related small companies (final part fabrication-, tooling- and system-level suppliers) and the fourth company provides manufacturing-related educational tools. Corresponding learning from implementation and outcomes are assessed.
Findings
Adoption of 3D printing technology was enabled through hands-on experience with entry-level 3D printers, even with their shortcomings. Entry-level 3D printing provided a workforce development opportunity to prepare small businesses to eventually work with production grade systems.
Originality/value
This paper details industry-based findings on venturing into commercializing 3D printing through first-hand experiences enabled by entry-level 3D printing.
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The purpose of this paper is to examine how the emerging new economy is impacting the future of human capital development and the future of work.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine how the emerging new economy is impacting the future of human capital development and the future of work.
Design/methodology/approach
A detailed review of the literature is used to profile the changing nature of work and work requirements in the emerging new economy. Recent trends and developments in human capital development and advancements in computer‐enhanced performanceware are combined with components of the traditional apprenticeship model. The resulting silicon‐based apprenticeship model is compared and contrasted with models of formal education, training, and apprenticeship.
Findings
The fast‐paced new economy is demanding greater performance from ever‐greater percentages of the world's population. New forms of hypercompetition demand the elimination of the long lead‐times that have traditionally existed between learning and doing. The proffered silicon‐based apprenticeship model is advanced as a development that is projected to jump‐start twenty‐first century learner/performers into on‐demand, world‐class, performance.
Research limitations/implications
Speculative literature directed at the future of new economy work and workers is not cohesively linked to the literature of electronic performance enhancement, learning theory, and advancements in technology. This paper advances an approach for accelerating work performance and human capital development that may instigate future research in this area.
Practical implications
This paper identifies the value of greatly accelerating the performance of workers in the emerging new economy, while simultaneously decreasing the existing time lag between learning and performance.
Social implications
The ability to involve more individuals in the emerging new economy promises to increase both quality of life and standard of living for greater percentages of the global population.
Originality/value
The author asserts that silicon‐based apprenticeships are a necessary next step toward engaging more of the world's population in the new economy.
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Som Sekhar Bhattacharyya, Onkar Kulkarni and Ashutosh Mishra
The purpose of this research was to study the impacts of adoption of additive manufacturing (AM) for spare parts procurement, specifically in the context of supply chain…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this research was to study the impacts of adoption of additive manufacturing (AM) for spare parts procurement, specifically in the context of supply chain resilience (SCR) especially regarding efficient spare parts inventory management. Furthermore, key narratives in the adoption of AM toward better SCR are explored.
Design/methodology/approach
In-depth interviews with semi-structured open-ended questionnaire were conducted to collect primary qualitative data from 24 supply chain management (SCM) experts. Respondents consisted of experts across various industries. The data were analyzed by thematic content analysis method.
Findings
The results indicated that AM could be a suitable tool to reduce dependence on original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) for spare parts procurement. Data analysis also revealed that AM adoption might lead to significant cost and lead time reduction. Designs protected as intellectual properties (IP), substantive post-processing requirements and material compatibility were revealed to be barriers in adoption.
Research limitations/implications
The impacts of utilizing AM for procurement of spare parts on the overall resilience of the supply chain were highlighted. Theoretical analysis of the findings was based on theoretical aspects of SCR. This was especially regarding efficient spare parts inventory management. The study results revealed the factors responsible adoption of the AM technology. A novel approach was undertaken to study the effect of AM adoption on “time-to-market” of newly launched products.
Practical implications
The research provided insights regarding practical applications of AM adoption in spare parts procurement. The study could be beneficial to the early adopters of AM across industries for making managerial decisions. Unfamiliarity of supply chain managers with the AM technology was believed to be a major reason to adopt the technology. The study provided essential inputs regarding challenges and alternate adoption strategies of AM. Thus, the research was believed to be of potential value for creating awareness among supply chain managers regarding AM technology.
Originality/value
The research provided new insights on the impact of AM adoption in the context of SCR toward efficient spare parts inventory management. Various limiting and facilitating factors specific to Indian context were also explored.
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Frank Gardea, Daniel P. Cole, Bryan Glaz and Jaret C. Riddick
This study aims to discuss the effect of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) on the mechanical properties of acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene (ABS) composites fabricated by additive…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to discuss the effect of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) on the mechanical properties of acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene (ABS) composites fabricated by additive manufacturing (AM). Insight into the energy-dissipation mechanisms introduced and/or enhanced by the addition of CNTs is presented in this study.
Design/methodology/approach
ABS/CNT filaments were fabricated with different concentrations of CNTs. Using a fused deposition modeling approach, unidirectional specimens were printed using a MakerBot Replicator 2X (MakerBot Industries, Brooklyn, NY, USA). Specimens were tested under static and dynamic conditions, with the loading coinciding with the printing direction, to determine elastic modulus, strength and viscoelastic properties.
Findings
A CNT reinforcing effect is evident in a 37 per cent increase in elastic modulus. Likewise, the strength of the composite increases by up to 30 per cent with an increase in weight fraction of CNTs. At low dynamic strain amplitudes (0.05 per cent), a correlation between dissipated strain energy of the butadiene phase and strength of the composite is found such that less dissipation, from constraint of the butadiene particles by the CNTs, leads to higher strength of the composite. At higher dynamic strains, the presence of a high concentration of CNT leads to increased energy dissipation, with a maximum measured value of 24 per cent higher loss factor compared to baseline specimens. Because the trend of the composite behavior is similar (with a higher absolute value) to that of neat ABS, this study’s results indicate that well-established polymer/CNT dissipation mechanisms (such as stick-slip) are not significant, but that the CNTs amplify the dissipation of the ABS matrix by formation of crazes through stress concentrations.
Originality/value
This study provides knowledge of the dissipation behavior in additively manufactured ABS/CNT composites and provides insight into the expansion to new printable materials for dynamics applications.
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Julio Henrique Costa Nobrega, Tiago F.A.C. Sigahi, Izabela Simon Rampasso, Vinicius Luiz Ferraz Minatogawa, Gustavo Hermínio Salati Marcondes de Moraes, Lucas Veiga Ávila and Rosley Anholon
This paper aims to analyze the main challenges and critical success factors (CSFs) in managing multi-sided platforms (MSP) in Brazil, as well as to understand the differences…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to analyze the main challenges and critical success factors (CSFs) in managing multi-sided platforms (MSP) in Brazil, as well as to understand the differences between this management model and traditional companies.
Design/methodology/approach
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with experienced professionals in the field, focusing on challenges, CSFs and difficulties in managing MSP businesses. The data were analyzed using a mixed-method approach, involving content analysis for qualitative data and grey relational analysis and sensitivity analysis for quantitative data.
Findings
The experts identified eight CSFs, seven key differences between traditional businesses and MSPs, and five technology-related challenges in managing MSPs. They assessed the main difficulties reported in the literature and ranked them, with the most critical challenges being competition with companies adopting MSP models in the same sector (product/service niche) and the necessity for ongoing process adjustments to accommodate scalability.
Originality/value
This study enhances understanding of CSF, disparities between traditional and MSPs and technology-related challenges in this management model. The results can assist managers in emerging nations in enhancing the performance of MSP operations and can be a resource for researchers studying various contexts and creating company guidelines.
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Huachao Mao, Wenxuan Jia, Yuen-Shan Leung, Jie Jin and Yong Chen
This paper aims to present a multi-material additive manufacturing (AM) process with a newly developed curing-on-demand method to fabricate a three-dimensional (3D) object with…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to present a multi-material additive manufacturing (AM) process with a newly developed curing-on-demand method to fabricate a three-dimensional (3D) object with multiple material compositions.
Design/methodology/approach
Unlike the deposition-on-demand printing method, the proposed curing-on-demand printheads use a digital light processing (DLP) projector to selectively cure a thin layer of liquid photocurable resin and then clean the residual uncured material effectively using a vacuuming and post-curing device. Each printhead can individually fabricate one type of material using digitally controlled mask image patterns. The proposed AM process can accurately deposit multiple materials in each layer by combining multiple curing-on-demand printheads together. Consequently, a three-dimensional object can be fabricated layer-by-layer using the developed curing-on-demand printing method.
Findings
Effective cleaning of uncured resin is realized with reduced coated resin whose height is in the sub-millimeter level and improved vacuum cleaning performance with the uncleaned resin less than 10 µm thick. Also, fast material swapping is achieved using the compact design of multiple printheads.
Originality/value
The proposed multi-material stereolithography (SL) process enables 3D printing components using more viscous materials and can achieve desired manufacturing characteristics, including high feature resolution, fast fabrication speed and low machine cost.
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