IEEE Technology and Society Magazine - September 2015 - 83

could enable integration with communication devices
within those helmets [16].
The use of additive manufacturing is also extending
into construction, as elements of walls, facades, and
even full scale construction components are printed
in, for example, concrete [22]. In this case walls and
elements should be considered as parts, with the exception of the cases where a whole building is manufactured at one time. The European Space Agency is
analyzing the feasibility of constructing a lunar settlement [23]. Using local resources as raw material, the
logistical advantages and building speed of AM are
claimed to be 2 meters per hour with the next generation machines, allowing for completion of a settlement
in one week [23].

Biomedical Products
Biomedical finished goods using AM include both consumer goods and medical prostheses. In addition, the
production of custom shaped hearing aids, custom
teeth aligners, and dental crowns and bridges have
been discussed [17]. Potential applications in the medical field even extend to artificial finger joints [18], artificial hips [19], elbows [20], and knee joints [21].

Models
AM can help to gain understanding and appreciation
into areas of interest by manufacturing simplifications
or representation of reality, to accelerate problem
solving in the physical world [24]. It also encourages
visualization and scientific thinking in the process of
modeling, which can be applied in engineering classrooms, among other areas [24].
The use of AM in the medical field is discussed, distinct from the industrial environment as the usual process of design commences with a non-existent design
[25]. In contrast, the medical field usually strives to
mimic anatomical structures. The purpose of these
medical models is to optimize surgical planning time and
improve quality, effectiveness and efficiency [18] leading
to decreased surgery and anesthesia time, lower surgical morbidity, and a decrease in blood loss [26]. Moreover, medical models such as anatomic representations
enhance the educational experience for students, facilitating training and research to acquire a deeper understanding and appreciation of structural relationships that
are traditionally difficult to reconstruct [27].
It is suggested that AM models be used for diagnostic
and identification purposes in forensics studies [28]. In
this setting, models such as bone fractures, ruptured
organs, and even bite marks can be represented in
physical form through AM, which makes them suitable
for courtrooms, i.e., in presenting haptic reconstructions, or other educational purposes [29].

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Potential applications in the medical
field extend to artificial finger
joints, artificial hips, elbows,
and knee joints.

Parts
Spare Parts
The utilization of AM in the production of spare parts
is discussed as a means of reducing inventory and
therefore costs, considering that it allows for quick production on demand [21]. The denominator portion in
this sense comprises a manufactured component that
belongs to a larger whole. AM can assist in the production of solid end-use components such as motorsport,
aerospace, and automotive parts enabling true just-intime production [12].
AM's capability to produce dimensionally accurate
parts with the required hardness for motorsports applications is demonstrated [30]. Cooper et al.. demonstrate that it is possible to produce identical mechanical
and geometrical components when compared to traditional manufacturing techniques [30].
The consequences and magnitude of spare parts
and their costs are illustrated in the aerospace industry
where availability of parts is salient and on which AM
technology could have a positive influence [4]. This is
exemplified by Boeing which already has 200 AM part
numbers on 10 different platforms for use in commercial and military jets [15]. Furthermore, AM is utilized
to produce low volume components that are created for
spacecraft [31]. In addition, Khajavi et al.. investigated
spare part provision of an F-18 fighter jet and described
the potential economic benefits in terms of transportation costs, inventory carrying costs, and part obsolescence costs [32].
According to Khajavi et al.., the potential advantages of utilizing AM in spare parts are direct cost benefits, lower down time, higher customer satisfaction,
higher robustness, reducing the need for inventory
management and information systems dedicated to
logistics [32]. Moreover, according to Holmström et al.
AM also reduces ramp-up time, reduces waste material, lowers inventories, and shortens lead times [17].
Estimation of the costs and benefits are suggested
to be conducted through a life-cycle analysis as this
assists in estimation of such benefits to get a grasp on
the total impact [33].

IEEE TEchnology and SocIETy MagazInE

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of IEEE Technology and Society Magazine - September 2015