Predicting the future of additive manufacturing: A Delphi study on economic and societal implications of 3D printing for 2030

The reduction in cost and increasing benefits of 3D printing technologies suggest the potential for printing dental prosthetics. However, although 3D printing technologies seem to be promising, their implementation in practice is complicated. To identify and rank the greatest implementation challenges of 3D printing in dental practices, the present study surveys dentists, dental technicians, and 3D printing companies using a ranking-type Delphi study. Our findings imply that a lack of knowledge is the most crucial obstacle to the implementation of 3D printing technologies. The high training effort of staff and the favoring of conventional methods, such as milling, are ranked as the second and third most relevant factors. Investment costs ranked in seventh place, whereas the lack of manufacturing facilities and the obstacle of print duration ranked below average. An inclusive implementation of additive manufacturing could be achieved primarily through the education of dentists and other staff in dental practices. In this manner, production may be managed internally, and the implementation speed may be increased.

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The changing face of additive manufacturing

Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management ◽

10.1108/jmtm-12-2016-0182 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 28 (1) ◽

pp. 10-17 ◽

Cited By ~ 26

Author(s):

Ian Gibson

Keyword(s):

Additive Manufacturing ◽

3D Printing ◽

Design Methodology ◽

State Of The Art ◽

Personal Perspective ◽

Numerous Application ◽

Content Type ◽

The Past ◽

Current State ◽

The Future

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to discuss the current state-of-the-art in additive manufacturing, more commonly known as 3D printing, from the business perspectives. The primary drivers behind the development of the associated technologies are considered along with features that limit growth. Design/methodology/approach The approach is a personal perspective, based on approximately 25-years study of the development of the associated technologies and applications. Findings The discussion has found that the technology is still growing healthily, but with an understanding that there are numerous application areas that should be considered separately. Some areas are significantly more mature than others and success in some areas does not guarantee success in others. Originality/value This viewpoint has been prepared for the current state-of-the-art and can be compared with earlier viewpoints to see how things may have changed in the past. This should be of value to those interested to explore how the technology has developed in recent times and how it may move into the future.

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Locomotive engines and the future of railway automotive power in Africa: A review

Nigerian Journal of Technology ◽

10.4314/njt.v40i4.13 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 40 (4) ◽

pp. 660-673

Author(s):

I.I. Ozigis ◽

J.I.O. Oche ◽

N.M. Lawal

Keyword(s):

South Africa ◽

Cast Iron ◽

Additive Manufacturing ◽

Diesel Engine ◽

Aluminum Alloys ◽

3D Printing ◽

Spare Parts ◽

Ductile Cast Iron ◽

Track Length ◽

The Future

This work presents the review of locomotives and the future of railway automotive power in Africa. Locomotives down time on account of inadequate spare parts still remains a challenge in African. It is thus, imperative to review the locomotives in African, to establish the current capabilities as well as provide recommendations to bridge the gaps and its extrapolated trends in future. Firstly, the comparison factors were track length, electrified rails, number of locomotives and yearly passengers on each of Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa and Zambia rails. Secondly, the focus was on engine parameters from literatures and maintenance logbooks of locomotives. From available data, it was found that South Africa and Egypt have more advanced rail system than the rest four selected countries. It was also found that additive manufacturing, 3D printing, ductile cast iron and die-forging can be used to produce the engine body for diesel engine using steel and aluminum alloys while aluminum silicon and tin doped with copper are good for reciprocation mechanisms. And finally, increased reliability of locomotives can be guided by an engine selection matrix, while use of renewable and energy hybridization are needed to meet the expansion of railroads in Africa.

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Ready for Anything?

Mechanical Engineering ◽

10.1115/1.2021-may1 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 143 (3) ◽

pp. 30-35

Author(s):

Carlos M. Gonzalez

Keyword(s):

Supply Chain ◽

Additive Manufacturing ◽

3D Printing ◽

Flexible Production ◽

The Future

Abstract Stories of using 3D printing to respond to the pandemic throw a spotlight on additive manufacturing and its potential for fast, flexible production of critically needed parts. Whether it was face shields, nasopharyngeal swabs, or respiratory masks, additive manufacturing rose to the challenge to fill in the gap caused by a disrupted supply chain. Now, some industry observers are starting to ask whether 3D printing could be the future of manufacturing.

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3D PRINTING AND NEW SECURITY THREATS

Revista do Instituto Brasileiro de Segurança Pública (RIBSP) ◽

10.36776/ribsp.v3i7.92 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 3 (7) ◽

pp. 197-210

Author(s):

Franklin Epiphanio Gomes de Almeida

Keyword(s):

Additive Manufacturing ◽

3D Printing ◽

Disruptive Technology ◽

Security Threats ◽

Enabling Technology ◽

Security Risks ◽

Horizon Scanning ◽

The Future ◽

Potential Impact ◽

Early Indicators

The present study is a horizon scanning report based on the British model Sigma Scan. It explores possible future issues and trends in 3D printing and its potential impact on society, particularly with regard to new security threats that its spread is expected to cause. This exercise allows for an examination based on the best predictions of how the future of this disruptive and, at the same time, enabling technology is likely to be, in order to better understand the uncertainties that its development will bring. This report addresses the potential implications of the development of 3D printing, in particular for crimes, the likely early indicators of the development of this technology, the simultaneous developments that can serve as inhibitors and drivers, the potential crime preventers and promoters, and the evidence that indicates the possibility of the predicted events. Keywords: 3D printing, additive manufacturing, disruptive technology, enabling technology, security risks.

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