The Advantages And Limitations Of Additive Manufacturing: A Comprehensive Overview
Table of content Top 6 Advantages of Additive Manufacturing: Top 6 Limitations of Additive Manufacturing Conclusion In the last few years, 3D printing and additive manufacturing have enhanced the scope of production. 3D printing is the process of putting layers of material together to make things that are three-dimensional. This technology is better than the old ways of making things in a lot of ways, but it comes with its own set of limitations. Here, we’ll look more closely at the top six pros and cons of additive manufacturing. Top 6 Advantages of Additive Manufacturing: 1.Reduced Time and Cost One benefit of additive manufacturing is that it makes production faster and cheaper. Usually, when making a new product, you start by making a prototype, then the tools, and finally the finished product. This process could take a long time and cost a lot of money. But additive manufacturing makes the process go faster. 2.Complex Geometries With additive printing, you can make things that would be hard to make in any other way. Additive manufacturing can be used to make structures with hollow channels inside and curved surfaces.3 3.Customization and Personalization Additive manufacturing makes it possible to change and personalize products. In traditional manufacturing, the same product is made over and over again, and there is no way to change it. Customers can use additive manufacturing to make one-of-a-kind items with their own specs, sizes, and shapes. 4.Reduced Material Waste If additive manufacturing is used, there may be less need to throw away materials. With traditional ways of making things, like subtractive manufacturing, a lot of materials are wasted. In additive manufacturing, just the right amount of material is used. This cuts down on waste and saves money on materials. 5.Faster Prototyping One more benefit of additive manufacturing is that prototyping can be done more quickly. When standard production methods are used, prototyping can take a long time and cost a lot of money. Additive manufacturing can be used to make prototypes quickly and cheaply. You can easily change designs, try out new materials and shapes, and repeat the process. This makes it easier and cheaper to get products to market faster. 6.Simplified Supply Chains Since additive manufacturing makes it possible to make things only when they are needed, supply chains may be easier to run. Instead of making a lot of the same thing and storing it in warehouses, additive manufacturing lets people make things as they need them. This might make people need less storage space and be less likely to keep things they don’t need. Top 6 Limitations of Additive Manufacturing: 1.Limited Materials One problem with additive manufacturing is that it can only print with a certain number of materials at one time. Even though the number of materials is growing, it is still very small compared to conventional methods. This limitation could affect how well the final product works, how long it lasts, and how well it lasts. 2.Surface Quality A glaring limitation of additive manufacturing is that the surface quality of the parts is still not very good. Especially, when complex structures are made, a smooth surface finish is difficult to achieve. 3.Size Limitations With additive manufacturing, the size of objects may be limited. How big an item is depends on how big the printer is and how much room it has to work with. Larger things may need to be printed in parts before they can be put together. This will take time and make the process harder. 4.Complexity Limitations Using additive manufacturing, you can make buildings with complex shapes, but the shapes can only be complicated. Complex designs can be hard to make because they often need more support structures or post-processing steps, which take more time and money. 5.Limited Scale Another problem with additive manufacturing is that it can only make small quantities. Additive manufacturing is great for making small batches of goods, but it’s not ready yet to make a lot of things at once. This is because additive manufacturing is a slow method that might take a long time to make a lot of parts. 6.Environmental Impact When you use additive printing, it might be hard to get rid of things like support structures and failed prints. Also, if the materials used in additive manufacturing are not recycled or thrown away in the right way, they could hurt the environment. Conclusion In conclusion, additive manufacturing is faster, cheaper, more flexible, and wastes less material. It does, however, have a number of flaws, including a paucity of materials, poor surface quality, small size, and complexity issues. Despite these problems, additive manufacturing is an important part of the manufacturing industry and will continue to change and improve over time. Do you want to go to the next level with additive manufacturing? We can help you at Prescient Technologies. Our software development services could change the way you think about 3D printing and other methods of “additive manufacturing.” References:
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Maximizing the Benefits Of Additive Manufacturing: Strategies For Implementation
Table of content Top 8 Strategies For Implementation Conclusion Want to change the way you make things and take your business to the next level? AM, or additive manufacturing, might be what you need. AM has the power to change your production processes because it can use digital designs to make 3D objects. It creates shorter lead times, lower costs, a better design, and less material waste. But how do you ensure that your business gets the most out of AM? Don’t worry, these top 8 strategies for implementation will help you out. Top 8 Strategies For Implementation 1. Assessing Your Business Needs First, you need to figure out what your business needs. On top of that, you need to figure out how AM could be used and what it could do for you. You will also need to look at how you make things now to see where AM can be used and where it might not be the best fit. Once you know exactly what you want, it is time to choose the right technology. 2. Selecting the Right Technology To get the results you want, you need to choose the right AM technology. With so many choices, it is important to look at the pros and cons of each technology before making a decision. Cost, speed, accuracy, and the right material can be the things to think about. By working with AM service providers who have a lot of experience, you can make smart choices about the technology to use. 3. Designing for Additive Manufacturing To get the most out of AM, parts must also be designed to work best with it. You will need to use the best methods for making parts to do this. It means picking materials that use less material and needs less post-processing. Do not forget that the freedom to design is one of the most exciting things about AM. Making shapes with complex geometries was impossible with traditional manufacturing. 4. Overcoming Implementation Challenges Putting AM into place is not always easy, and problems can come up. From high costs to following quality and rules, many things could go wrong. You should have a thorough implementation plan and work with experienced AM service providers. Put money into training and developing your workforce. With this, you can get past any problems and use AM to its fullest potential. 5. Training and Workforce Development To get the most out of AM, it is important to invest in the knowledge and skills of your staff. Creating a skilled workforce requires a lot of training and opportunities. If you don’t know where to start, it is better to work with experienced AM service providers. They can train your team on what they need to know and how to do it. 6. Scaling Up and Maximizing ROI After you have added AM to your manufacturing process, it’s time to get the most out of it. One great way to do this is to make more of them. Some ways to scale and maximize ROI are to invest in automation and improve your production processes. You should also use data and analytics. You can get the most out of AM and take your business to the next level by always making your approach better. 7. Establishing Quality Control Measures You don’t want to leave the quality of your AM-produced parts to chance. That is why it’s crucial to establish a robust quality control process. After all, your reputation is on the line, and you don’t want to risk producing faulty or substandard parts. By maintaining strict quality control, you can ensure that all parts meet the necessary standards. Trust us; it is worth the investment. By prioritizing quality control, you can cut the risk of defects, reduce waste, and produce consistent, high-quality parts that meet your customers’ expectations. 8. Continuous Improvement and Innovation Don’t get complacent once you’ve implemented AM in your business. Embrace a mindset of continuous improvement and innovation to stay ahead of the game. Always strive to improve your processes and technology and gather feedback from your team and customers. Explore new and creative ways to optimize and innovate. By staying ahead of the game, you can keep a competitive edge and unlock the full potential of AM. Stay on the lookout for emerging AM technologies, materials, and techniques. In short, stay in the loop with the latest trends and innovations. This way, you can future-proof your business and be ready for whatever challenges and opportunities lie ahead. Conclusion Get ready to experience the benefits of additive manufacturing (AM) in your business. But before you dive into it, it is important to plan carefully and take a few steps to ensure success. Start by selecting the right technology for your business needs and designing for AM. Overcome any challenges that may arise during the implementation process. Don’t forget to invest in your workforce and train them in AM technologies to develop a culture of innovation. Once AM is integrated into your business, you can explore ways to scale up production and maximize your return on investment. References:
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Cloud Enablement for CAD Applications
Table of content Current State of Cloud-based CAD Technological Issues with CAD on the Cloud Adoption Issues Way Forward Over the last decade, multiple manufacturing-related applications have moved to the cloud to reduce hardware investments and to avail of the benefits of IT resource aggregation. CAD, which plays a crucial role in product development, is often considered a potential candidate for cloud enablement. As CAD software consumes dedicated high-end compute and graphics resources, a definite business case exists to move CAD on cloud. Moving CAD on cloud can bring multiple benefits like increased flexibility, better collaboration, and ultimately reduced cost of hardware and maintenance. AutoCad Cloud is one such example of cloud-based CAD platform which enables creating, editing, viewing, and sharing drawings without having to install it on your system. Almost all CAD ISVs are considering some form of cloud enablement, but it has not picked the pace for multiple reasons. The following sections discuss these issues and possibly how they will evolve. Current State of Cloud-based CAD Cloud has popularized the on-demand access to resources and usage-based charges. It has helped the customers to transition the cash flow from an upfront fixed cost to a variable cost. Almost all types of software can now be licensed in this model. CAD software ISVs are following this trend by shifting from perpetual license + AMC to an annual subscription model with support. For the cloud, adoption evolution can be seen in all three types of cloud adoption – IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS. There are visible progressions in each type, and a few ready solutions are already available in the market. However, there remain technology hurdles and user adoption issues. Technological Issues with CAD on the Cloud Moving CAD on cloud requires some critical pieces to be recreated to suit the cloud architecture. It would take a significant effort to redevelop these pieces and bring them to par with current levels. CAD ISVs strive to address the above and many other technical issues, with few breakthroughs. However, user adoption is still low due to various process-related issues. Adoption Issues CAD Applications have been used by various product development OEMs and their suppliers for over a quarter century. These organizations have evolved custom workflows and security processes around CAD. Moving to cloud-based CAD will need multiple adjustments to these processes, which could be a significant hurdle in adoption. In addition to the above points, there are factors like usability due to latency issues and significant concerns of the customers in the form of vendor lock-in. These have been discussed at many forums, hence not elaborated here. Way forward As cloud technology advances, some challenges could get addressed or become irrelevant. However, looking at the overall picture, cloud adoption is likely to evolve on two fronts –
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What is Digital Transformation?
Table of Content What is Digital Transformation? Automation is the first step in digital transformation Digital transformation allows businesses to collect and analyze customer data Challenges in digital transformation Digital Transformation across different industries Future of digital transformation Digital Transformation is a term that is often used to describe an organization’s attempt to create a better user experience. It usually involves using technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning, mobile apps, and social media to boost employee experience. Companies are also embracing the benefits of digital technology to improve the customer experience and make their company more competitive. What is Digital Transformation? In a nutshell, digital transformation is a process that transforms the business to provide a more efficient and consistent customer experience. For example, a clothing company may wish to digitize its backend inventory to provide a more unified experience between brick-and-mortar stores and online shoppers. It could be done by introducing new apps to support business operations and streamline workflows. While the term can seem confusing, the reality of digital transformation isn’t easily described by this term. In many ways, the phrase refers to changes in society, economic conditions, and even regulations. In other words, it’s a radical change in organizational competencies and processes. Companies are attempting to use these new technologies to make their organizations more customer-centric, increase productivity, and reduce costs. However, the phrase can also refer to the necessity to meet the human need to interact with the world. Businesses can transform their businesses using a wide variety of digital technologies. The key to digital transformation is looking at every business aspect and changing it accordingly. A social media presence may replace traditional department and team structures, and marketing and service functions may be tied together using a digital platform. However, not all these changes are reasonable. You can implement some of them if you know what they are before implementing them. Several factors make a business embrace digital transformation. Once you get started, you’ll have a clearer picture of the changes you need to make. Read Carving a roadmap to Digital Transformation for more. Digital transformation allows businesses to collect and analyze customer data Previously, data might have been scattered among disconnected platforms, and companies may have struggled to collect it. Now, digital transformation can help companies collect, centralize, and analyze their data, facilitating better corporate decision-making. The benefits of digital transformation go far beyond just data analysis. With digital transformation, data is consolidated and organized into a single database for business intelligence. In the future, this data can be leveraged to inform business strategy. Data-driven improvements translate into improved customer service, sales channels, and offers. When combined with an effective digital strategy and an efficient team, these benefits can lead to business growth. Digital transformation is lengthy, so be prepared to spend time and money to get it right. However, it can be well worth it in the end. Automation is the first step in digital transformation Automation can streamline processes and reduce the workload of human employees. Organizations can optimize performance and increase revenue by streamlining workflows and implementing API integrations. The next logical step is hyper-automation, which can automate itself. Your organization can use new technologies and integrate them into existing systems. For example, eBay’s popular e- commerce website implemented API integration into its systems, increasing its revenue. Automation works in synergy with Big Data, and big data has the potential to change operations and business models. Big data allows organizations to organize their data in meaningful ways and extract useful information. This information is crucial to model and make relevant decisions. These technologies also facilitate digital transformation. 5G and IoT are some of the leading examples. These technologies are already transforming business processes. Your one-stop shop for Digital Transformation From Smart Design to Smart Manufacturing or from Business Process Automation to Custom Built Solutions, Prescient can provide value to your Digital Transformation needs. Challenges in digital transformation The increasing adoption of new technologies in the manufacturing sector has made digital transformation necessary for most companies. However, these new technologies aren’t without their challenges. For instance, rampant cyberattacks pose the biggest hurdle to widespread adoption of digital transformation, especially in data-intensive industrial sectors. Nevertheless, these risks will gradually be overcome, as the benefits of this technology will outweigh any risks. Overall developments regarding data security will have a significant impact on the market over the next few years. One identifying aspect of digital transformation is its ability to capture, store, analyze, and share massive amounts of data. It allowed businesses to collect, process, research, and share vast data. However, as networking and the internet became more widespread, big data created new challenges for digital data management and analysis. Thus, data centers, warehouses, and lakes were created to address these challenges. Despite these challenges, digital transformation continues to be a critical factor in the progress of any economy. Digital Transformation across different industries There are many benefits to implementing Digital Transformation across different industries. These benefits range from reducing support tickets to enhancing customer satisfaction. These companies successfully implement various technologies to improve their business and create new revenue streams. By implementing these technologies, companies can improve supply-chain efficiency and optimize their factories through self-diagnosis capabilities. But before implementing Digital Transformation across different industries, businesses must first understand what drives it and how to implement it in the best way. It’s important to note that any new technology must fit into the company’s ecosystem and tech stack. While these new tools can increase ROI, they may require significant investment to implement and train employees. Future of digital transformation The evolution of customers is driving the adoption of digital technologies. Today’s tech-savvy consumers expect an excellent experience across multiple touchpoints, transforming customer experiences. While this trend affects all industries, it also affects every job function. Digital platforms will improve access to remote operations. Organizations will also make employee well-being a top priority. Edge computing and quantum capabilities will enable predictive analytics. And
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How 3D Product Configurators propel sales and customer satisfaction
Introduction Interaction with 3D Product Configurators What are 3D Product Configurators? Boosting sales and satisfaction Introduction Customers are often reluctant to buy customized products because they don’t know the outcome. People are often hesitant to purchase made-to-order or engineered-to-order products after being disappointed. Sometimes, people may order something they thought was great but get a completely different product. It can be challenging to return custom-made products purchased online. Customers can overcome this fear with 3D product configurators. Increasingly popular in the build-to-order industry, 3D product configurators help customers visualize and feel their purchasing product. The 3D product configurator software does not require a third-party plugin, and they work offline as well. They encourage customer participation by allowing them to virtually test product combinations. They enable customers to customize their options to their liking, and they’re available on any device without requiring plugins. As a result, this software has various applications for different industries and sectors. Interaction with 3D Product Configurators 3D product configurators allow you to estimate complex products quickly and accurately. It is vital for those manufacturers that must handle increased product complexity. Customers have always wanted to have their own customized stuff, and today they have no problem paying a premium for it. They want to be involved in the design of products and have the opportunity to influence their development. It puts pressure on manufacturers to find ways to make their processes more accessible to people outside of their four walls. It was long before consumers could be expected to accept standardized products that fit all. Modern customers desire the ability to customize and personalize products according to their individual needs. This is one of the most demanding competencies manufacturers have to focus on. It means a gradual relocation to mass customization from mass production. The rise of 3D product configuration software has prompted many online retailers to integrate product visualization into their eCommerce sites seamlessly. In the past, customers had to select a pre-made model. Now, they can choose a product by selecting from thousands of combinations. Customizing a product is the key to attracting and retaining customers. Whether your customers choose a color or material, they can easily envision it with the help of 3D configurators. What are 3D Product Configurators? In today’s visual economy, interactive product experiences are a must for customers. 3D product configurators are valuable tools for illustrating how products can be customized. In the past, a person could only see the final product or design iteration in full detail in a physical location, such as a showroom or with manufacturing samples. This has been changed by digital 3D configuration tools, which allow products to be created directly at the customer’s fingertips, giving them unique options rather than standard off-the-shelf designs. Using the visualization tool, users can see designs in real-time. It includes rotating the model or zooming in to view the fine details of each option. 3D models react instantly to changes in color and dimensions. Users can then immediately reconsider their selections and reselect the features and options that are most important to them until they find the best design. It is significant for designers of complex products, as it can be challenging to visualize how features and options related to each other. Boosting sales and satisfaction The increasing use of 3D configurators has increased customer satisfaction, engagement, and average basket value, increasing sales and conversion rates. These tools can monitor customer behavior and combine this information with other marketing data to create more relevant products and personalized interactions. And the best part is that they’re free to use in any way you see fit, allowing you to create a customized experience for every customer. 3D configurators can help you boost customer satisfaction and sales. They enable customers to select and change various aspects of products, including color, wheel configuration, seats, and even lighting and vision. By allowing customers to personalize their purchases, 3D product configurators enhance the experience of online shoppers. They create an emotional connection with the products, increasing the chances of making a purchase. Understanding customer behavior is one of the essential pillars of an e- commerce business. By giving customers a chance to see products and choose the features that matter to them, 3D configurators smooth out this process and make it easier for companies to track and measure it. Boosting customer satisfaction and sales with 3D configurators will give you a competitive edge over other brands and make you stand out from the competition. What does the future say? 5G, the next generation in high-speed mobile networks, will provide more data, and thus more detail, to users. As such, rich content is expected to continue to increase. However, augmented reality is the most significant development and opportunity. Manufacturers will be able to present an immersive experience to customers thanks to the rapid advancement in augmented reality technology’s usability and capability. This will allow them to educate them about the specific capabilities and fit of particular products or configurations. Seamless experiences like these are crucial to increasing brand awareness and loyalty and ultimately generating additional sales orders. The future of 3D configurators for customer satisfaction and sales will involve new technologies and innovations. AR and 3D technologies are becoming more affordable and accessible. The cost of 3D image configurators can be recovered within two to three months of investment. By allowing consumers to customize their products in AR, retailers will be able to create a direct-to-consumer sales channel. A 3D product configurator can be an essential tool for businesses looking to enhance customer engagement and boost sales and ROI. This technology makes it possible to provide customers with a 360-degree view of a product before purchasing it. With the 4th Industrial Revolution coming close, brands must start putting consumers in the driver’s seat. Brands can quickly and efficiently fulfill their needs when customers know exactly what they want. By letting them customize products and make them unique, brands can quickly meet customer demand and boost sales. As the customer becomes an integral part of the
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Carving a roadmap to Digital Transformation
Table of Content Creating a digital transformation roadmap SWOT analysis Defining mini-projects Identifying challenges along the way Define Corporate Values Do you have a strategy for digital transformation? According to a Statista survey published in 2021, about 60 percent of executive search firms declared that they had implemented a digital transformation strategy or improved their efforts in developing one due to the effects of the COVID-19 crisis. But before you can build a digital transformation strategy, you must establish a foundation. If your retail business operates both in physical stores and online, you must invest in the capability of the online channel to improve the customer experience. Invest in tools that map the user journey and resources to collect data. Moreover, your roadmap should include all the challenges that will come up along the way. Please go through some of the common roadblocks faced by companies undergoing digital transformation and the steps to overcome them. Creating a digital transformation roadmap It is essential to create a step-by-step roadmap to digital transformation that will provide clear directions and a clear destination. While there are many factors to consider when determining the best way to drive digital transformation, team alignment is one of the most important. The people responsible for executing the business strategy must share the vision and embrace open communication. Failure to be specific about the transformation details will leave things to chance and lead to misguided initiatives. A well-developed digital transformation roadmap should focus on integration and alignment. All stakeholders must be on the same page, and the technology must be integrated with existing systems and processes. In the digital age, companies can’t afford to have one piecemeal approach because it can leave gaps in security and undermine the overall goal. A comprehensive roadmap integrates technologies, software, and processes to maximize the chances of success. A digital transformation strategy aims to eliminate inefficiencies, improve customer service, and increase revenue. It is important to remember that digital transformation is a process that takes years to complete. While the result may differ for each company, it will help to have a general idea of how to approach the process and plan accordingly. For example, the end goal should be “Point B” in the roadmap, while the next step is to fill in the gaps between where the company currently is and where it wants to be. SWOT analysis Next, you need to consider your competitive position and identify the challenges ahead. While it’s essential to be realistic when determining your competition’s strengths, identifying threats is equally important. Keeping rose-colored glasses on will prevent you from making the best strategic decisions. However, assessing threats is key to your business’s digital transformation success. Make sure you’re honest and objective in evaluating the current position of your business. Using SWOT analysis in the context of digital transformation can effectively help your office transition. To create a successful SWOT analysis, you’ll need a diverse team composed of executive and mid-level employees. Include people from various departments so everyone can contribute their knowledge and expertise. The more varied the team, the less likely it will be to make a mistake. The best approach is to separate internal and external strengths and identify what your business can do to take advantage of them. The most effective way to identify internal and external strengths and weaknesses are to divide the categories by controllable and uncontrollable factors. It will help you make a more accurate SWOT analysis. The main mistake people make is to confound weaknesses and opportunities and make the SWOT analysis process more difficult. Once you have done this, you’ll be better prepared to determine what your next steps should be. A proper SWOT analysis can help you identify your company’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. It can also help you determine how to capitalize on these factors to strengthen your competitive position. Performing a SWOT analysis can help you formulate wise business strategies that will boost your company’s competitiveness and position in the market. It’s also a good idea to consider external factors like population growth, competitive trends, and economic climate, as they can affect your company’s ability to compete. If you haven’t incorporated SWOT analysis yet, it’s time to do so. Defining mini-projects Creating a digital transformation initiative roadmap should start with defining the key activities. These activities include technology projects, supplier ecosystem changes, and business process modifications. It should also identify high-level cost-benefit projections for each activity. Then, define each activity on the roadmap as a mini-project. By defining these mini-projects, the roadmap can be used as a guide to determine which activities are the most critical and which ones are not. Clearly define the goals and objectives for each mini-project. Identify the purposes and responsibilities of each team member. Determine how each member of the team will contribute to the project. Make sure they are aligned with the overall strategy. Assign roles to individuals, assign responsibility for specific tasks, and set milestones for success. After each project is completed, evaluate results, and determine if the project has met expectations. Identifying challenges along the way Businesses may face many challenges while embarking on a digital transformation journey. They may lack the skills and resources to implement a full-fledged digital strategy. Assessing an organization’s readiness for digital transformation is necessary to avoid getting stuck in a rut. While the organization may be reluctant to use new technologies and processes, it may still be able to work with early adopters that are prepared to implement these technologies in operations. As companies begin their digital transformation journey, they should analyze the data collected by their existing processes and measure the impact of these changes on their business. Data analysis should be conducted to identify trends and patterns. For example, some prominent OEMs produce enhanced equipment that can improve fuel efficiency, predict downtime, and streamline maintenance processes. These advanced features are known as Equipment-as-a-Service (EaaS). Embedding digital technology within an organization requires the buy-in of every employee,
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The Manufacturing sector’s road to Digital Transformation
For the last 20 years, the digital revolution has cast its shadow over every area of a well-functioning society, be it commerce, banking, or education and healthcare. The common thread throughout this digital revolution has been that those who do not embrace technology will eventually be left behind and replaced. It especially applies to manufacturers, who face the challenge of reducing costs and constantly keeping up with the global marketplace competition. This article will define what Digital Transformation is, explore its implementation, and discuss the challenges it presents. Finally, we’ll look at the ideal Digital Transformation strategy. Taking advantage of new technology such as 5G can improve visibility, lower costs, and increase flexibility; the benefits of digital transformation in the manufacturing sector are significant. But how can companies get started? Let’s look at some of the challenges and opportunities of digital transformation in manufacturing. What does digital transformation mean? In simple words, digital transformation is the large-scale exodus of the manufacturing sector and other domains from the traditional, analogue, manual mode of work toward digital technologies. It isn’t just about putting a few computers onto the table. It is about embracing digital technology from top to bottom, end-to-end levels. Digital transformation is not related to physical conversion but also involves statistical analysis and data to enhance manufacturing processes to ensure a thriving business. The advent of digitalization in manufacturing can help companies become more flexible, responsive, and cost-efficient. By integrating modern tools into production, digital transformation helps companies manage inventory and costs. It can also improve service to customers. By incorporating digital tools into manufacturing processes, companies can enhance the quality of products and reduce non-productive time. Digital tools help companies stay on top of the latest trends in the industry, and they improve productivity. It is important to remember that digital transformation is a process that takes years to complete. While the result may differ for each company, it will help to have a general idea of how to approach the process and plan accordingly. For example, the end goal should be “Point B” in the roadmap, while the next step is to fill in the gaps between where the company currently is and where it wants to be. Caution! A business that overlooks the importance of digital transformation is setting itself up for failure and providing their competitors an advantage in the market. In a survey of manufacturing companies, it was found that 36% accelerated their digital transformation. A further 35% slowed their digital transformation, and 47% remained untouched. Of the companies that have undertaken digital transformation, only 30% plan to increase their investment in this process by 2022. As per a Statista survey, spending on digital transformation and services worldwide has grown exponentially from 2017 to 2025 (in trillion US dollars). Implementation of Digital Transformation Implementation of digital transformation in your company might seem a bit uphill task. However, there are four key areas where you can focus on implementing digital transformation successfully. They are as follows: Boost your employees Educate, Encourage, and Empower your employees. These are the three words you should focus on when introducing new technologies to your employees. It can be challenging if they are reluctant to adopt it. You need to give them some time and space to innovate as much as possible. Even if it is one step at a time, it is still worth consideration. Interact with your Customers Customers have a higher expectation of service speed and an enhanced experience. Utilize data and statistical analysis for better engagement with customers. It helps companies cater to the needs of their customers by offering the best possible experience. Track their interactions, choices, and frequent search history to understand their mindset. Enable customization to let customers play around with products and decide what they need. Optimize the work processes Optimize your processes and human resources. The old-school way of working leaves many redundancies and sections where the time lag is so remarkable that it can affect your entire business. The optimizing system leaves you relieved that your systems are sufficiently tuned to operate the business smoothly. Transform the core of your business if necessary It refers to changing the core of your business to keep up with technological advances. You must adapt to the changing market or be left behind with increasingly irrelevant products/services. If that requires modernization and introducing new technologies, so be it. The Challenges with Digital Transformation Despite technological advances, traditional manufacturing companies face increasing competition from newcomers who successfully apply new technologies to their businesses. You must overcome certain obstacles in digital transformation to gain a competitive advantage. These include: Worker syndrome One of the biggest challenges in implementing digital transformation is culture. As automation becomes more prevalent, many workers look down on the benefits of digitalization. In fact, the challenges with digitalizing the manufacturing sector are directly related to the workers themselves. Employee resistance to change and employee pushback may be due to their inexperience with the technology or fear that automation will take away their jobs. Inadequate Information A lack of information is a significant problem for many businesses. They don’t have the digital expertise necessary to understand what’s available or how it can be used, especially the workers. Unfortunately, errors in manufacturing are universal. Workers may set up machines incorrectly, mishandle equipment, or send sensitive data to an unknown email attachment. Moreover, workers will be left with an unavoidable culture of ‘that’s not how we do things. Poor Strategy The lack of a strategy is a significant hindrance for many businesses on their way to completing the digital transformation—a poorly planned strategy results in failures. For instance, a lack of clear path, funding, and legacy systems are just a few of the most common strategic obstacles. Therefore, almost 50% of manufacturers enlist the help of consultants to undertake digital transformation projects. Prescient Technologies has been a consultant to some top names worldwide who wanted to embrace digital transformation. Let us help you in your
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The Increasing Prominence of Modularization in Mass Customization
Engineer-to-Order Modularization Industry 4.0 has driven the era of mass customization to inflated levels never seen before in manufacturing history. Accompanied by new-age technologies such as IoT, big data, 3D printing, and robotics, mass customization is executed on an unprecedented scale. Traditionally, the personalization of products was only available at a premium price. Ever since mass customization reached prominence, customers can order customized vehicles, cell phones, clothes and apparels, and even specific task- oriented machinery delivered on time. It has been possible due to the dramatic automation and modularity of workspaces that can be rapidly configured and then reconfigured to adapt to different specifications supplied by the customer. Mass customization trend is evident in both B2B and B2C sectors. Industries such as aviation, construction, glass, and ceramic manufacturing have adopted mass customization with a particular emphasis on 3D printing to a great extent. An exciting aspect of mass customization is lean customization, a just-in-time (JIT) inventory system, and digital tech to produce items with lesser costs. Lean customization allows consumers to select their preferred designs and colors at no extra cost to the company. Since lean customization involves a specific batchwise production process, it can be implemented in the well-known crafting specialty strategy known as Engineer-to-order. Engineer-to-Order Engineer-to-order means craftsmanship where production is tailored for specific customer requirements. It means the entire research and development, design, and build is suited for certain specifications, and it differs from customer to customer. Although such productions offer a great deal of personalized content to the customers, it comes with reasonable operational costs, making the product quite expensive. So, the prime goal is to reduce operating costs which will reflect on the product’s price. Incorporating lean customization into engineer-to-order addresses this issue, getting modular work processes. Modularization About 100 years ago, Henry Ford presented the first assembly line to the automotive industry. Since then, auto manufacturing has primarily been in a fixed and sequenced line, operated by pre-defined and rigid processes. Once an assembly line is defined for a specific model, it cannot be modified throughout the entire product’s lifecycle and commands over the intra-logistical methods of the production and supply chain. The auto manufacturers had to incur huge costs if they wanted to release a modified model since it involved creating an entirely different assembly line. This issue is not limited to car manufacturing but also apparel, chemical, and pharma industries. To address an agile and flexible production process, the industry is using the concept of modularization. Modularity essentially refers to the capability of a system to be reconfigured on a plug-n-play basis, thereby allowing it to respond to changes in customer requirements quickly and efficiently. Audi is one such company that has created independent workstations, each assigned a particular production function. Unfinished cars move autonomously from one workstation to the other, with the help of driverless transport systems (DTS), where connected robots and a few humans assemble a particular part of the car. Suppose one DTS reaches a station that is already occupied. In that case, it is programmed to head to another available station, thereby removing the delays part of the conventional assembly line. This modular assembly also allows for changes to be made on the go. The key advantages of modularization include: Modularization involves taking in requirements and specifications from customers and passing them off to the production floor directly without any significant engineering maneuver in between. Thus, it needs a rule-driven production that regulates how modularization is successfully achieved. To enforce a well- functioning and effective rules-driven production system, manufacturers can take these three steps: Modularization is the key to unlocking mass customization. By breaking down a product into smaller, more manageable parts, it becomes easier and faster to produce customized versions of that product. It also becomes more cost-effective, as each individual component can be produced in larger quantities. It is good news for consumers who want unique products without paying a premium price and for businesses who want to offer those unique products without breaking the bank.
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How Artificial Intelligence and 3D Printing can collaborate
Artificial Intelligence 3D Printing Machine Learning Applications of AI in 3D printing AI and 3D printing has been a hot tech for sometime and ever since their inception, these two domains has climbed steadfastly on the global market ladder. The 2019-20 global automation market size has displayed this rise. It is obvious that these two domain would cross paths sometime and strike up a beneficial collaboration. The intersection of AI and 3D printing has long been predicted. AI can analyze a 3D model and determine which parts will fail to form the part. 3D printers can also remove material from failed regions and use AI to create a different version. AI can even analyze a part’s geometry and identify a potential problem so an alternative way to create it can be found. The end result? A better-designed part with a high rate of success. Artificial Intelligence The merging of artificial intelligence and 3D printing is an evolution of manufacturing paradigms. Prosthetics design, for instance, is one of the most important applications of 3D printing. As technology advances, artificial intelligence and 3D printers can be used to control 3D printers and increase the number of compatible materials for the process. By combining these two technologies, manufacturers can create new and improved products and production processes. Artificial intelligence and 3D printing will eventually help humans create better prosthetics. The advancement of 3D printing has made it possible to create complex objects without the need for a human. Despite the complexity of the manufacturing process, AI can help to improve the process. The combination of AI and 3D printers will also create new applications. Here are some applications that will benefit from the convergence of these technologies. Once this technology becomes more widespread, it will revolutionize the manufacturing industry. It could even be used to create new prosthetic limbs that can be used for surgery. 3D Printing AI and 3D printing are often associated, but it can also be used to create better products and objects. By automating processes, AI can help eliminate human error and enhance 3D printing performance. The fusion of AI and 3D printing has a number of benefits for manufacturing and quality control. It also helps accelerate the rise of Industry 4.0 and the Industrial Internet of Things. But which use cases will AI have in manufacturing? What are some examples of where AI is already being applied to 3D printing? Machine learning, or AI, is a technology that can analyze a data stream and find hidden relationships. For instance, in the 3D printing process, artificial intelligence helps maintain the material properties of complex alloys, such as titanium, carbon, and other metals. The resulting models can be used for predictive maintenance. Machine learning can even help manufacturers improve spare parts and predict when to replace them. This is an exciting development for manufacturers and researchers alike. Machine Learning Bioprinting, also known as 3D bioprinting, is an emerging field in which machine learning is being used to improve the process of making organoids. This technique involves constructing a scaffold with a specific design to support cell growth and function. The complexity of the scaffold can have a big impact on the printed organ’s function. For this reason, scaffolds should be designed carefully and precisely to optimize the process. Using machine learning in 3-D bioprinting can help detect defects, such as incorrectly positioned cells, curved layers, and microstructure errors. It can also monitor the entire bioprinting process and identify problems before they arise. One such example is shown in Figure 4, which uses CNN to detect defects during the bioprinting process. In this example, images from high-quality cameras during the bioprinting process are input data for the CNN, which analyzes the images to determine whether they are defects. Applications of AI in 3D printing AI has a number of advantages when it comes to 3D printing, including the ability to analyze an object before starting the process, and to predict the quality of the part. The use of machine learning algorithms also improves the fixation process and reduces manufacturing waste. Some projects are even aiming for zero-waste additive manufacturing. AI can also be used to protect important data about the printing process, such as reducing the number of errors. A recent example of an application of machine learning in 3D printing is automated monitoring of 3D printed parts. By integrating image processing and camera data, supervised machine learning algorithms can detect defects during the printing process and help companies fix them without human intervention. The technology can also help companies cut the cost of reprinting parts if they have to fix a problem. Another cost-saving application of artificial intelligence in 3D printing is the guarantee of high- precision prints. A project developed by the University of Southern California has been designed to ensure that parts produced by 3D printing processes meet high-quality standards. The possibilities for AI and 3D printing to collaborate are endless. We’ve seen how they can work together to create a prosthetic hand, and we believe that as these technologies continue to develop, the potential value they can provide each other will only increase.
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Additive Manufacturing the rise of metals in 3D printing
Table of content Plastic as the basis for 3D printing Metal as the basis of 3D printing Additive manufacturing is one of the advanced techniques of Industry 4.0 that can manufacture industrial products faster and more precisely as compared to traditional manufacturing processes. Also known as 3D printing, it is a technique that works by turning a digital model of an object into a three-dimensional physical item by adding printable materials layer by layer on its digital design. It helps create complex geometrical patterns that are not possible with traditional manufacturing methods, designing and making lighter components, and controlling various material properties such as density and stiffness. 3D printing has gained popularity rapidly, involving minor prototype construction, fewer dies, and less post-processing. The aerospace and defense industry is experiencing large-scale use of 3D printing with French company Thales Group started a global center of expertise in additive manufacturing in Morocco in 2017. Boeing created its first 3D printed metal satellite antenna for the Israeli company Spacecom in 2019. Airbus used the technology to manufacture the titanium 3D printed bracket on an in series production A350 XWB commercial aircraft in 2017 and has since announced plans to develop 3D printed drones. Plastic as the basis for 3D printing Stereolithography (SLA): SLA is the first 3D printing technology ever used. It hardens a liquid resin using an ultraviolet beam, bonding each successive layer. Despite its antiquity, this technology is still widely used mainly due to a few advantages such as detail resolution, surface quality, and tight tolerances. It is used for UV-sensitive epoxy resins and ceramic-reinforced materials (NanoTool, BlueStone, CeraMax). This technique is widely used for coupling tests, dimensional verification, ergonomic studies, and wind tunnel aerodynamics tests due to its high detail resolution. Fused filament fabrication (FFF): In this process, melted thermoplastic material such as plastic, wax, or metal is sprayed from a nozzle to create many layers, each of which are bonded to the other. The bonding is done mainly by heat or adhesion. The most popular metals used here are nylon, high-density polyethylene, polycaprolactone, polycarbonate, and low melting point metals. Due to its affordability, FFF is a commonly used process for rapid prototyping parts with standard tolerances. Selective laser sintering (SLS): SLS involves hardening and bonding tiny seeds of plastic into layers in a three-dimensional structure using a laser. The powder is jet sprayed from multiple nozzles on the print area, and then the laser fuses or sinters the powder layer by layer. Based on the requirement, SLS printed objects are commonly made with plastic materials, such as nylon or any other powdered material. One of the main benefits of this technique is that, unlike many other 3D printing technologies, SLS doesn’t require much tooling once an object is printed.Unlike stereolithography, SLS doesn’t need additional supports to clasp a thing while it is being printed. Electron beam melting (EBM): Like SLS, EBM is a process that requires high energy high temperature, just that it uses an electron beam as its power source. In this, a tungsten filament in the electron beam gun is superheated to create a cloud of electrons that accelerate to approximately one-half the speed of light. A magnetic field focuses the beam to the desired diameter, while the second magnetic field directs the beam of electrons to the desired spot on the print bed. Currently, EBM is required mainly for producing refractory and reactive metals (titanium, niobium, zirconium, tantalum, etc.) and their alloys. EBM is great for melting and refining metals and alloys in water-cooled copper molds under a high vacuum. Laminated object manufacturing (LOM): Introduced by Cubic Technologies (formerly Helisys Inc.), LOM is a quick and comparatively cheaper method of 3D printing objects in various materials such as metals, plastics, or paper. It binds sheets in successive layers then cuts into the desired according to the 3D CAD model. It is a prototype-centric technique and is not used for production. Metal as the basis of 3D printing While 3D printing started by using mainly plastic as the base material, metal additive manufacturing technologies are currently the most significant growth area for additive manufacturing and include: Selective laser melting (SLM): A laser is used to melt successive layers of metallic powder until completely melted. The machine then adds additional layers of powder over the melted layer until the object is built. The aerospace and medical devices industries have witnessed the maximum use of this technology, as the manufacturing in those industries involves complex parts that can be simplified using this process. This technology was discovered in 1995 by the German research institute Fraunhofer Institute ITL. Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS): Developed jointly by Rapid Product Innovations (RPI) and EOS GmbH, this technique is like SLM. The main difference is the degree to which the particles are melted. In DMLS, the particles are not completely melted. Also, the 3D printer parts are developed from excellent Aluminium or Titanium powder. Laser metal disposition (LMD): Laser Metal Disposition is also called directed energy deposition (DED). In this, a laser beam melts the metallic object and creates a pool into which the powder is fed. The powder then melts to form a deposit, and the required geometry is achieved layer by layer. The powder emitting laser and nozzle are controlled using a motion- centric system or robotic arm. This technology has been rapidly gaining traction in industries such as aerospace, tooling, transportation, and oil and gas. Electron beam melting (EBM): Originally patented and developed by the Swedish company Arcam, EBM differs from other techniques as it uses an electron beam as a power source instead of a laser to 3D print metal. The beam fully melts down the metal powder layer by layer in a high vacuum while retaining the original characteristics of the material. The technique can manufacture metal parts with 100% density and is also helpful for industries with complex components such as aerospace and medical implants.
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