3D printing
Description:
3D printing or additive manufacturing describes the manufacturing of a three-dimensional solid object by means of a 3D printer, a digital file and specific metals, polymers, ceramics, synthetic resin and synthetics. This technology enables products to be manufactured on demand and on-the-spot;
With regards to 3D printing, two different models of manufacturing developments are discussed; the buyer-beware model and the R&D model. The first is about the decentralised network of local hubs, enabling custom blueprints for the same products at a decentralised level as well as manufacturing product prototypes next to the consumer to gather quick feedback. The R&D model is about a manufacturing ecosystem, where research and development organisations provide their ideas to small businesses and local manufacturers.