Additive manufacturing is a manufacturing technique that uses digital files to create parts, objects, or whole systems. It allows firms produce complex machinery or devices at a low cost. Additionally, production costs are reduced and time to market are cut. It does not require casting, forging or any other traditional production method.
There are many benefits to additive manufacturing that go beyond manufacturers, suppliers, or communities. Customers who can afford innovative products also reap the benefits of additive manufacturing. 3D printing is being used by many Fortune 500 businesses. A new initiative from the Biden Administration has been designed to aid small and medium-sized manufacturing companies in adopting additive manufacturing.
AM Forward is a public-private initiative that aims to encourage the use of additive manufacturing by developing standards and common practices, establishing an open-market for additive-manufactured parts, and addressing supply chain issues. It is led five large U.S. manufacturing companies: General Electric Aviation. Honeywell. Lockheed Martin. Raytheon. And Siemens Energy. These firms are partnering with the DOE Manufacturing Demonstration Facility at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, which is a national facility that provides access to a range of additive-manufacturing technologies.
OEMs will use the AM Forward agreement to find technical solutions to industry problems, collaborate with other firms and create standard specifications, as well as offer technical support to U.S.-based suppliers. Other major enterprises are expected to join the initiative in the coming years.
One of the major players involved in AM Forward is the NEO Additive Manufacturing Cluster of Ohio, which works to accelerate the adoption of additive-manufacturing technologies. Ohio is a state that has many talented scientists and engineers. It is a good location to start additive manufacturing companies.
Another important player is the America Makes national accelerator. This program partners with academia, industry, economic development resources, and workforce training programs to encourage the adoption of additive-manufacturing by a wide range of sectors. Many university programs now exist for additive-manufacturing.
The Manufacturing Extension Partnership is one of many government programs that supports the adoption and use of additive manufacturing. The Department of Labor offers technical support and financial financing to small manufacturers.
Many of these programs are designed to help overcome common market failures. There are many barriers that small-scale manufacturers face in order to obtain affordable financing and access industry-standard technologies. Similarly, some customers may not be willing to commit to purchasing from companies that invest in additive-manufacturing technologies.
Some of the most innovative additive-manufacturing firms in the country are located in Ohio. Desktop Metal is an industrial additive-manufacturing company that offers metal 3-D printing and machining services to manufacturers and designers. Jonco Industries, Inc. offers several fabrication services, which include rapid prototyping, prototyping design, and high-volume finishing. PostPro3D is a specialist in automated surface finishing.
Besides collaborating with the Federal Government, other industry organizations are working to increase the adoption of additive-manufacturing. The Fraunhofer Institute is a leading institution for the development of additive-manufacturing technology.
FAQ
How does manufacturing avoid bottlenecks in production?
You can avoid bottlenecks in production by making sure that everything runs smoothly throughout the production cycle, from the moment you receive an order to the moment the product is shipped.
This includes planning for capacity requirements as well as quality control measures.
This can be done by using continuous improvement techniques, such as Six Sigma.
Six Sigma management is a system that improves quality and reduces waste within your organization.
It's all about eliminating variation and creating consistency in work.
How can I find out more about manufacturing?
The best way to learn about manufacturing is through hands-on experience. However, if that's not possible, you can always read books or watch educational videos.
What skills does a production planner need?
Being a production planner is not easy. You need to be organized and flexible. You must also be able to communicate effectively with clients and colleagues.
Statistics
- According to the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), China is the top manufacturer worldwide by 2019 output, producing 28.7% of the total global manufacturing output, followed by the United States, Japan, Germany, and India.[52][53] (en.wikipedia.org)
- (2:04) MTO is a production technique wherein products are customized according to customer specifications, and production only starts after an order is received. (oracle.com)
- You can multiply the result by 100 to get the total percent of monthly overhead. (investopedia.com)
- It's estimated that 10.8% of the U.S. GDP in 2020 was contributed to manufacturing. (investopedia.com)
- In 2021, an estimated 12.1 million Americans work in the manufacturing sector.6 (investopedia.com)
External Links
How To
How to Use 5S for Increasing Productivity in Manufacturing
5S stands as "Sort", Set In Order", Standardize", Separate" and "Store". Toyota Motor Corporation created the 5S methodology in 1954. It allows companies to improve their work environment, thereby achieving greater efficiency.
The basic idea behind this method is to standardize production processes, so they become repeatable, measurable, and predictable. Cleaning, sorting and packing are all done daily. Because workers know what they can expect, this helps them perform their jobs more efficiently.
Implementing 5S requires five steps. These are Sort, Set In Order, Standardize. Separate. And Store. Each step involves a different action which leads to increased efficiency. By sorting, for example, you make it easy to find the items later. When items are ordered, they are put together. Once you have separated your inventory into groups and organized them, you will store these groups in easily accessible containers. Finally, label all containers correctly.
Employees must be able to critically examine their work practices. Employees must be able to see why they do what they do and find a way to achieve them without having to rely on their old methods. They will need to develop new skills and techniques in order for the 5S system to be implemented.
In addition to improving efficiency, the 5S system also increases morale and teamwork among employees. They will feel motivated to strive for higher levels of efficiency once they start to see results.