| Summary: | Abstract
Purpose: The evolution of 3D printing technology is enabling manufacturing of components with complex designs at low costs, which is suitable to produce spare parts. It also affects the way products are delivered to the market. The use of 3D printing demands organizations to reconsider their strategies for positioning, manufacturing, and deployment. The main aim of this research is to perform an overview of previous research on deployment of 3D printing, to identify the strategies required for deploying 3D printed spare parts in supply chain.
Methodology: The information related to the topic was collected from journal papers, case studies and reports based on selection criteria.
The information gathered was analyzed by using secondary reading and content analysis to understand and interpret information regarding 3DP deployment strategies.
Findings: Based on existing research, a conceptual framework was developed for deploying 3D printed spare parts in supply chain. It classified the adoption of 3DP based on the combination of two criteria, firstly scale and scope of production and secondly process and supply chain configuration. Further, this study discussed information about the necessity to have precise strategy for deploying 3D printed spare parts and defined the performance measures for assessing the strategy.
Value: This study presents an conceptual framework that provides choice for organizations to select deployment strategies based on economic and operational feasibility. Further, the research related recommendations and future agendas are discussed.
Keywords: 3D Printing, Supply Chain, Spare Parts, Deployment Strategy
|
|---|