Creating and Finding Value Added Opportunities for Production Additive

Conference Abstract: Identifying appropriate, cost saving, targets for additive manufacturing can be a long and daunting process, particularly for those of us not in the aerospace sector. From ideal component type identification to material and process selection, this session will draw from 7 years of in-house expertise to help companies understand how they can move traditionally manufactured production components into the additive manufacturing space.
We will outline the fundamental steps in moving from traditional manufacturing to additive manufacturing through the following multistage process:
1. Part identification:
a. Pinpoint applications that create the biggest cost savings.
b. Contrasting new product development vs traditionally manufactured components.
c. Performing traditional design modifications, while understanding AM limitations.
2. Process identification:
a. Qualifications of material/processes and their cost drivers.
b. Evaluating advantages of in-house vs service bureau and the availability of each process.
c. How to build cost models and create business cases. Including, estimating annual usage, tooling costs, labor, amortization, etc.
3. Hurdles to adoption:
a. Fostering advocates as local AM champions.
b. Developing and implementing business cases that add value.
c. Educating supply chain, operations and customers.
This session aims to equip participants with a comprehensive understanding of creating value-added opportunities within their respective business units and fostering the adoption of additive manufacturing into their supply chains. We will emphasize high value application that offer immediate, tangible cost savings, contrasting with historical approaches that often neglect Return on Investment (ROI).
At the conclusion of this session, participants will have gained a conceptual understanding but also practical insights. My hope is to enable them to identify viable components for the transition and establish compelling business cases to further the adoption of AM.