3D Printing

Technology Impact Assessment

3D Printing: Technology Impact Assessment

Table Of Contents
How It Works ........................................................................................................................................... 2
Value of 3D Printing ................................................................................................................................. 2
Applications ............................................................................................................................................. 3
Competing Technologies ....................................................................................................................... 3-4
Suitability for Particular Purposes, Industries or Environments ............................................................... 5
Relation to the Technology it is Likely to Replace ................................................................................. 5-6
Challenges and Problems ......................................................................................................................... 6
Overall Assessment .................................................................................................................................. 6
References ............................................................................................................................................ 7-8

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3D Printing: Technology Impact Assessment

How It Works
3D Printing, also referred to as additive manufacturing, is a process by which solid objects are
created from a digital file. First, a virtual design of the desired object is created using a 3D
modeling program or computer aided design (CAD) software. This file is then sent to the printer
which creates the item by laying down successive layers of material until the entire object is
formed. Materials used include rubber, plastics, paper, polyurethane-like materials, metals, and
more. It is up to the producer to choose his desired materials.

Value of 3D Printing
This emerging technology has the potential to improve individual lives, organizational processes,
and society entire. For the regular person, 3D printing may provide a new and more convenient
way to procure goods. Products could be made in homes by consumers themselves, and overall
accessibility to goods could increase. The shift from a store-based environment to a digital
ecosystem has the potential to reduce costs as well. Highly customized goods will provide
consumers with more choice and the range of products available will increase. Applications in
the healthcare could actually affect the physical wellbeing of individuals and improve overall
health.
Organizations may benefit from its use in terms of speed, cost, and design. For some, 3D
printing shortens the manufacturing process significantly. A prototype could be ready in a
matter of hours instead of a few weeks. Costs may be reduced in the realms of shipping,
packaging, human capital required and more reliable raw material. Planning and budgeting is
made easier through the use exact inputs, thus reducing waste. In terms of design, this
technology allows for better quality goods, the creation of new shapes and structures, and new
combinations of materials not attainable through classic manufacturing processes.

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3D Printing: Technology Impact Assessment

3D printing could also offer society a more sustainable manufacturing process. Some argue that
it will reduce waste and utilize less energy. Regardless of ones point of view on the benefits of
3D printing, most agree that this technology will cause major disruptions in the global economy
by 2025. (Gilpin, 2014)

Applications
In automotive industry, companies are using 3D printers to make prototypes of different parts
of vehicles. Some automotive companies are even trying to build the whole vehicle using 3D
printers. (Forbes, 2013)
In aerospace industry, different parts of the rocket engines can be created using 3D printers. If a
part gets broken, the staff can simply use a 3D printer to make that piece again. This will
eliminate the need to carry spare parts to the space stations. (Forbes, 2013)
In healthcare industry, 3D printers can be used to print prosthetics. In addition, they can be used
to make the inner ear structure which can improve the hearing sense. In theory, the entire
organ can be reconstructed using 3D printers. If that happens, patients no longer need to wait a
long time to find a donor. (Forbes, 2013)
3D printers are also used in clothing industry, in particular in the shoe industry for product
customization. (Resins-online.com, 2015) Some people have their own 3D printers at home and
use it to create art work. In food industry, companies are using 3D printers to create food with
different shapes using 3D printers. (Lee, 2015)

Competing Technologies
Major external competitors are more traditional way to design a product. CNC machine has
been widely used since 50 years ago. Although CAM software for complex designs can be very
expensive, CNC Machines are the most successful and popular among the users. Injection
molding is another powerful competitor. Their production speed, make them one of the most

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3D Printing: Technology Impact Assessment

favorite machines in mass production. On the downside, they are inflexible machine, which can
make the single products with particular plastic material each time. The less powerful rivals of
3D printers are its step brother; cutting systems! No matter water/laser or plasma, you use. You
just need a driving force to cut! On the table below you can compare the summary of Pros and
cons of these technologies.
Maintenance
fee

Environment
impact

Single
Production
Cost

Mass
Production
Cost

Design
Flexibility

Material
Flexibility

Knowledge
to Design

Knowledge
to Operate

3D
Printers

Strong High

High
Unrecyclable
Waste

Economical
Starts from
500$

Relatively
High

Excellent

Almost
everything!

Medium

Medium

CNC

Relatively
Low

Low

Economical

Low

Very high
starts 2500$
+ Material

Metal,
Wood,
Rubber,
Teflon
Only rubber
and plastic

Easy

Low

Expensive
for
Complex
designs
Poor

Very Hard in
complex
object

Injection
Molding

Economical
in
Automated
Operations
Economical

Hard

Easy

Laser
cutting

Moderate

Low

Economical

Relatively
High

Mostly 2-D
Objects

Rubber, thin
metal,
plastic, cloth

Medium

Medium

Suitability for Particular Purposes, Industries or Environments

3D printing technology will have a major impact in multiple industries, principally the
manufacturing industry. 3D printers will allow more goods to be manufactured close to the
point of purchase and consumption. Smaller business will be able to supply parts without
massive manufacturing facilities and giant warehouses. They will make the parts that are
needed when theyre needed. There will even be some household level manufacturing as some
consumers will prefer to make their own goods. (DAveni, 2013)
The per unit cost of goods may increase, but this would certainly be offset by the elimination of
transportation and inventory costs. As well, goods will be infinitely more customizable,
consumers will be able to design and create the exact part they need. (DAveni, 2013)

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3D Printing: Technology Impact Assessment

Looking at a few specific examples, 3D printing could dramatically impact the automotive
industry. Custom parts manufacturers can more easily craft parts for cars at their shop. They
would not need to have the part on hand, they could simply create it on the spot, again, saving
on inventory costs. They would also need to order fewer parts, saving on both cost and time.
Most jobs would require downloading the parts specifications from the internet and printing it.
The healthcare industry could also be dramatically impacted, specifically implants. 3D printing
could be used to make precise implants that can outmatch any current technique (BBC News,
2012). Current technologies cant capture all the required holes and grooves that a 3D printer
can. CT scans and MRI scans can be used to ensure the implant is a perfect fit.
An environment that could be greatly impacted by 3D printing is China. China is the
manufacturing leader in the world and they rely on great demand for economies of scale. As
consumers begin to manufacture their own parts, Chinas largest industry may suffer. (DAveni,
2013)

Relation to the Technology it is Likely to Replace

Machines that make custom parts or tools will probably be the first technology to be replaced as
consumers will be able to print most custom parts they need. (Cohen, 2014)
On a larger scale, some people are predicting that 3D printing could lead to the end of the
manufacturing industry, or at least trigger a massive shift (Madame Eureka, 2012).
Transportation and industry costs will be eliminated, and most manufacturing orders could be
done at the small business or household level, all that is required are the raw materials.

Challenges and Problems

3D printers consume 50 to 100 times more energy than the injection molding. They leave
unused or excess plastic in the print beds after each use. Emission of billions of ultrafine plastic
particle into the air can also harm the respiratory system. (Gilpin, 2014)
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3D Printing: Technology Impact Assessment

From the intellectual property perspective, using 3 D printers, it is very easy to manufacture
products (e.g. famous cartoon characters) without paying for the license. This can harm the
entertainment and toy industry. (Gilpin, 2014)
Weapons can be 3D printed too. People can make and use these guns without having the
required permits which is a major safety concerns. Safety of 3D printed items that come into
contact with food is also questionable. In 3D bioprinting, human stem cells are mixed with
canine muscle cells to create tissue. This opens the conversation about moral and ethical issues.
(Gilpin, 2014)
3D printers companies had very poor performance in the last two years. Their negative surprise
and disappointing sales prove that 3-D industry has a long way to be adopted in consumer's
market. They have too many engineers in their board that have engineering mind rather
business vision. In terms of technical challenge, high-quality printers and maintenance cost are
still expensive. Legal challenge about military purposed of several 3-D products add another
problem to the system.

Overall Assessment
The overall assessment is that 3D printing can be adopted now by small businesses or custom
shops that would be able to take advantage of printing parts as needed. Furthermore, larger
business can take advantage of 3D printing for rapid prototyping - the ability for them to quickly
and cheaply unveil prototypes.

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3D Printing: Technology Impact Assessment

References
3D Printing,. (2011). The Economic Impacts of 3D Printing. Retrieved 11 June 2015, from
https://madameeureka.wordpress.com/the-economic-impacts-of-3d-printing/
BBC News,. (2015). Transplant jaw made by 3D printer claimed as first - BBC News. Retrieved 11
June 2015, from http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-16907104
Energy.gov,. (2015). How 3D Printers Work. Retrieved 11 June 2015, from
http://energy.gov/articles/how-3d-printers-work
Explainingthefuture.com,. (2015). ExplainingTheFuture.com : 3D Printing. Retrieved 11 June
2015, from http://www.explainingthefuture.com/3dprinting.html
Forbes,. (2013). What Can 3D Printing Do? Here Are 6 Creative Examples. Retrieved 11 June
2015, from http://www.forbes.com/sites/amitchowdhry/2013/10/08/what-can-3d-printing-dohere-are-6-creative-examples/2/
Gilpin, L. (2014). The dark side of 3D printing: 10 things to watch. TechRepublic. Retrieved 11
June 2015, from http://www.techrepublic.com/article/the-dark-side-of-3d-printing-10-thingsto-watch/
Gilpin, L. (2014). 10 industries 3D printing will disrupt or decimate. TechRepublic. Retrieved 11
June 2015, from http://www.techrepublic.com/article/10-industries-3d-printing-will-disrupt-ordecimate/
Harvard Business Review,. (2013). 3-D Printing Will Change the World. Retrieved 11 June 2015,
from https://hbr.org/2013/03/3-d-printing-will-change-the-world
Lee, K. (2015). Foodini 3D Printer Cooks Up Meals Like the Star Trek Food Replicator.
Inhabitat.com. Retrieved 11 June 2015, from http://inhabitat.com/foodini-3d-printer-will-makeall-your-meals-for-you-like-the-star-trek-food-replicator/
Mckinsey.com,. (2015). Disruptive technologies: Advances that will transform life, business, and
the global economy. Retrieved 11 June 2015, from
http://www.mckinsey.com/insights/business_technology/disruptive_technologies
Mckinsey.com,. (2015). 3-D printing takes shape. Retrieved 11 June 2015, from
http://www.mckinsey.com/insights/manufacturing/3-d_printing_takes_shape
Novella, S. (2012). NeuroLogica Blog 3D Printing. Theness.com. Retrieved 11 June 2015, from
http://theness.com/neurologicablog/index.php/3d-printing/

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3D Printing: Technology Impact Assessment

Resins-online.com,. (2015). 3D Printed Clothing Becoming a Reality | Blog | Resins Online.
Retrieved 11 June 2015, from http://www.resins-online.com/blog/3d-printed-clothing/
Utwente.nl,. (2015). Overview of major RM Processes. Retrieved 11 June 2015, from
http://www.utwente.nl/ctw/opm/research/design_engineering/rm/RM%20processes/

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