3D printing services: classification, supply chain implications and research agenda

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to identify and classify the available types of 3D printing services, with the scope of determining the potential implications that such services could have on the supply chains of manufacturing firms and creating a research agenda for future studies. Design/me...

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Main Authors: Rogers, Helen, Baricz, Norbert, Pawar, Kulwant S.
Format: Article
Published: Emerald 2016
Subjects:
Online Access:https://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/48347/
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author Rogers, Helen
Baricz, Norbert
Pawar, Kulwant S.
author_facet Rogers, Helen
Baricz, Norbert
Pawar, Kulwant S.
author_sort Rogers, Helen
building Nottingham Research Data Repository
collection Online Access
description Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to identify and classify the available types of 3D printing services, with the scope of determining the potential implications that such services could have on the supply chains of manufacturing firms and creating a research agenda for future studies. Design/methodology/approach: The authors review the current literature on the potential supply chain impacts of 3D printing and evaluate the 3D printing services provided by 404 firms in selected European markets. Findings: The results show that 3D printing services form a rapidly evolving industry, with new service providers entering the market on a regular basis. Evidence from the European markets investigated suggests that services can be classified into three distinct categories: generative, facilitative and selective services. Research limitations/implications: This paper represents an attempt to take stock of a fastmoving and potentially paradigm-shifting market. The implications are dynamic as new applications, business models and techniques are continually being developed. Further studies are required to substantiate the findings. Practical implications: Three categories of 3D printing services that could significantly impact supply chain configurations of the future are proposed. Several issues specific to 3D printing services raised in the research agenda require further scrutiny and substantiation before services can reach their full potential. Originality/value: This paper provides an overview of the growing 3D printing services industry, highlighting how the market might change as additive manufacturing technology matures.
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institution University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus
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spelling nottingham-483472020-05-04T18:17:15Z https://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/48347/ 3D printing services: classification, supply chain implications and research agenda Rogers, Helen Baricz, Norbert Pawar, Kulwant S. Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to identify and classify the available types of 3D printing services, with the scope of determining the potential implications that such services could have on the supply chains of manufacturing firms and creating a research agenda for future studies. Design/methodology/approach: The authors review the current literature on the potential supply chain impacts of 3D printing and evaluate the 3D printing services provided by 404 firms in selected European markets. Findings: The results show that 3D printing services form a rapidly evolving industry, with new service providers entering the market on a regular basis. Evidence from the European markets investigated suggests that services can be classified into three distinct categories: generative, facilitative and selective services. Research limitations/implications: This paper represents an attempt to take stock of a fastmoving and potentially paradigm-shifting market. The implications are dynamic as new applications, business models and techniques are continually being developed. Further studies are required to substantiate the findings. Practical implications: Three categories of 3D printing services that could significantly impact supply chain configurations of the future are proposed. Several issues specific to 3D printing services raised in the research agenda require further scrutiny and substantiation before services can reach their full potential. Originality/value: This paper provides an overview of the growing 3D printing services industry, highlighting how the market might change as additive manufacturing technology matures. Emerald 2016-10-13 Article PeerReviewed Rogers, Helen, Baricz, Norbert and Pawar, Kulwant S. (2016) 3D printing services: classification, supply chain implications and research agenda. International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, 46 (10). pp. 886-907. ISSN 0960-0035 Supply chains 3D printing Additive manufacturing 3D printing services Glocalized production Rapid prototyping http://www.emeraldinsight.com/doi/full/10.1108/IJPDLM-07-2016-0210 doi:10.1108/IJPDLM-07-2016-0210 doi:10.1108/IJPDLM-07-2016-0210
spellingShingle Supply chains
3D printing
Additive manufacturing
3D printing services
Glocalized production
Rapid prototyping
Rogers, Helen
Baricz, Norbert
Pawar, Kulwant S.
3D printing services: classification, supply chain implications and research agenda
title 3D printing services: classification, supply chain implications and research agenda
title_full 3D printing services: classification, supply chain implications and research agenda
title_fullStr 3D printing services: classification, supply chain implications and research agenda
title_full_unstemmed 3D printing services: classification, supply chain implications and research agenda
title_short 3D printing services: classification, supply chain implications and research agenda
title_sort 3d printing services: classification, supply chain implications and research agenda
topic Supply chains
3D printing
Additive manufacturing
3D printing services
Glocalized production
Rapid prototyping
url https://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/48347/
https://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/48347/
https://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/48347/