For some time now, we have seen news of the successful use of 3D printers in the medical field, where prostheses and even cells are starting to be custom “printed” to meet the needs of patients. However, it's not just doctors and healthcare professionals who are eyeing this new technology.
As printers become cheaper and faster, companies from different sectors are starting to see the potential of this new way of producing.
One idea is to allow the customer to be part of the production process from product design, so that it is exactly what he needs. In the case of shoe production, for example, the customer would enter a website, enter the exact measurements of their feet, where the pressure points are, and that's it! The production of a shoe that was made exclusively for him would begin.
Those most enthusiastic about this technology are already discussing a future in which each person will have a 3D printer installed at home and have their own “home factory”, thus eliminating the need for mass production and distribution of finished products.
However, just as not everyone has a garden at home and grows their own food, not everyone will be willing to manufacture the goods they want to consume.
It is by evaluating this trend that companies like Mattel and Adidas are starting to look at 3D printers as a way to differentiate themselves and offer their customers customized products. UPS already offers, in the US, the 3D printing service to its customers, taking advantage of its large structure of stores spread across the country.
The impact on the supply chain is significant. Initially there would be no need to maintain high levels of inventory along the chain. Another change would be in the way products are distributed: as production centers could be located closer to end customers, distribution would become local and not long distance.
Of course, these production customization initiatives are still at an early stage, very restricted to the prototyping phase and to just a few types of products, but it is already possible to find companies in sectors such as automotive and aerospace that already use 3D printing in their processes. productive using 100% printed parts in the assembly of their final products.
It's worth keeping an eye on this new trend!
References
<http://gelookahead.economist.com/3d-printing-will-disrupt-manufacturing/>
<http://documents.aeb.com/brochures/en/aeb-white-paper-3d-printing.pdf>
Jessica Silva
5 years of experience in training, consulting and market research projects in Supply Chain for companies from different sectors such as Coca-Cola, LASA, Silimed, O Boticário, Monsanto, among others. Worked on inventory planning projects, logistical master plan, transportation and indicator management. He also participated in the development of the ILOS online courses on Logistics and Supply Chain, Procurement Processes and Industrial Management, in addition to research in the pharmaceutical sector.
