In a provocative article from Cleveland.com, Frank Bentayou proposes that “Smart manufacturers are gearing up for a turnaround in the economy”, and this got us thinking. There are signs that the economic collapse of last fall has or is about to bottom out, and indeed a few signs that economic activity may be beginning to rise again.
What does this mean for manufacturers? At the least they should ponder methods of capitalizing on the coming waves of orders. Many companies have been cutting costs by laying off staff, cutting equipment and supply orders, etc, but none of that will place a company in a good position for rapid take-up of new orders.
One approach that should be considered is to leverage 3D printing technology. As long-time Fabbaloo readers will recall, in-house or service bureau-based 3D printing can have dramatic effects on both the speed of delivery and cost of development for new products. Now that’s just the type of approach needed for manufacturers to get ready for new orders.
In fact, it might be a good time to order a 3D printer for your company right now before prices rise due to sudden increase in demand.
Via Cleveland.com
Fine mechanical stuff is indeed an issue currently, but metal is going quite well actually. Tolerance-wise we’re seeing sub-millimeter results with some of the stuff were testing on Shapeways.
True, but the various 3D printers have a way to go before they can create 28mm metal parts within tolerances. I’m the last the person to howl about “what the government should do”, but if it can put a man on the moon….
Using 3D printing as a final production technique could even boost local manufacturing jobs. The process actually requires quite a bit of skilled labor. A country that invests in rapid manufacturing would also see a lot of local manufacturing jobs created in machine maintenance, post-finishing etc..
Furthermore small versatile production runs could increase profitability and make local businesses more competitive.