Tech Briefs Magazine - April 2024 - 14

Decentralized 3D Printing
Rather than stockpiling vast quantities
of parts in warehouses, companies can
leverage 3D printing to produce parts
on-demand and locally, precisely when
they are needed. This shift not only optimizes
inventory levels but also enhances
operational efficiency by reducing
the overhead costs associated
with maintaining and managing physical
inventories.
Moreover, digitalized inventories offer
greater flexibility and agility in responding
to fluctuating demand patterns and
supply chain disruptions. Companies
can swiftly adapt production schedules
and prioritize the manufacturing of critical
components in real-time, ensuring
continuity in operations and minimizing
downtime.
Worldwide Production via
3D printing enables the shift from physical to digital inventory. (Image: Replique)
disruptions. Here, 3D printing is only
used when the traditional manufacturing
method is not possible.
If economically viable, however, AM
could also be introduced as the main
manufacturing method. Here, a TCO
analysis is necessary taking all costs into
account, such as inventory costs, fixed
costs for patterns and molds, shipping
costs, and downtime costs. For example,
the higher shipping rates rise, the less
expensive AM will get when printing the
part locally where it is needed. It shows
that 3D printing especially works for
low-volume parts, as 3D printing does
not require a mold or a pattern, and
therefore, leads to significantly lower
fixed costs.
Shift from Physical to Digital
Inventories
By embracing decentralized 3D printing,
companies can seamlessly transition
from physical to digital inventories.
3D Printing
With AM, it is possible to produce a
wide range of different products on a
single printer, offering unprecedented
flexibility and scalability in production
operations. By leveraging AM technologies,
companies can establish their
production facilities around the world,
strategically located to cater to regional
markets and customer demands.
This decentralized production model
not only reduces shipping time and
costs but also mitigates the influence of
supply chain disruptions by diversifying
production sources and minimizing reliance
on centralized manufacturing
hubs. Thanks to local production, it
OEM
PUBLISH
PART
DESIGNS
Y P T E D
M AC H I N
SECURE DIGITAL
WAREHOUSE
3D-PRINTED PART DELIVERY
FINAL CUSTOMER
A decentralized production platform gives access to 3D printing service bureaus worldwide. (Image: Replique)
14
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TRUSTED PRINTFARM
Global network of >2500 printers
Tech Briefs, April 2024
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Tech Briefs Magazine - April 2024

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Tech Briefs Magazine - April 2024

Tech Briefs Magazine - April 2024 - Intro
Tech Briefs Magazine - April 2024 - Sponsor
Tech Briefs Magazine - April 2024 - Cov1
Tech Briefs Magazine - April 2024 - Cov2
Tech Briefs Magazine - April 2024 - 1
Tech Briefs Magazine - April 2024 - 2
Tech Briefs Magazine - April 2024 - 3
Tech Briefs Magazine - April 2024 - 4
Tech Briefs Magazine - April 2024 - 5
Tech Briefs Magazine - April 2024 - 6
Tech Briefs Magazine - April 2024 - 7
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Tech Briefs Magazine - April 2024 - 9
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Tech Briefs Magazine - April 2024 - 12
Tech Briefs Magazine - April 2024 - 13
Tech Briefs Magazine - April 2024 - 14
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Tech Briefs Magazine - April 2024 - 16
Tech Briefs Magazine - April 2024 - 16A
Tech Briefs Magazine - April 2024 - 16B
Tech Briefs Magazine - April 2024 - 16C
Tech Briefs Magazine - April 2024 - 16D
Tech Briefs Magazine - April 2024 - 17
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Tech Briefs Magazine - April 2024 - 48
Tech Briefs Magazine - April 2024 - Cov3
Tech Briefs Magazine - April 2024 - Cov4
Tech Briefs Magazine - April 2024 - MD-Cov1
Tech Briefs Magazine - April 2024 - MD-Cov2
Tech Briefs Magazine - April 2024 - MD-1
Tech Briefs Magazine - April 2024 - MD-2
Tech Briefs Magazine - April 2024 - MD-3
Tech Briefs Magazine - April 2024 - MD-4
Tech Briefs Magazine - April 2024 - MD-5
Tech Briefs Magazine - April 2024 - MD-6
Tech Briefs Magazine - April 2024 - MD-7
Tech Briefs Magazine - April 2024 - MD-8
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Tech Briefs Magazine - April 2024 - MD-10
Tech Briefs Magazine - April 2024 - MD-11
Tech Briefs Magazine - April 2024 - MD-12
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Tech Briefs Magazine - April 2024 - MD-14
Tech Briefs Magazine - April 2024 - MD-15
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Tech Briefs Magazine - April 2024 - MD-19
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Tech Briefs Magazine - April 2024 - MD-23
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Tech Briefs Magazine - April 2024 - MD-25
Tech Briefs Magazine - April 2024 - MD-26
Tech Briefs Magazine - April 2024 - MD-27
Tech Briefs Magazine - April 2024 - MD-28
Tech Briefs Magazine - April 2024 - MD-Cov3
Tech Briefs Magazine - April 2024 - MD-Cov4
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