Short answer
When evaluating the cost-effectiveness of Additive Manufacturing for a design project, select and critically assess cost models that align with the specific AM process, materials, and production scale being considered.
- Field
- Resource Management
- Source
- International Journal of Industrial Engineering Computations (2016)
- Method
- Literature Review
- Evidence
- Moderate effect
Existing cost models for Additive Manufacturing (AM) offer a framework for evaluating production economics, but require careful consideration of their strengths and weaknesses for effective implementation. This resource management research insight is drawn from a 2016 study published in International Journal of Industrial Engineering Computations. Using Literature review, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: When evaluating the cost-effectiveness of Additive Manufacturing for a design project, select and critically assess cost models that align with the specific AM process, materials, and production scale being considered.
Additive Manufacturing Cost Models: A Critical Review for Production Economics
Existing cost models for Additive Manufacturing (AM) offer a framework for evaluating production economics, but require careful consideration of their strengths and weaknesses for effective implementation.
International Journal of Industrial Engineering Computations · 2016
Key Findings
- 01Various cost models exist for AM, addressing different aspects of production economics.
- 02Each model has inherent strengths and weaknesses related to their scope, assumptions, and the specific AM technologies they address.
- 03The maturity of AM technology necessitates a deeper focus on managerial aspects like cost control.
Application
Design takeaway
When evaluating the cost-effectiveness of Additive Manufacturing for a design project, select and critically assess cost models that align with the specific AM process, materials, and production scale being considered.
How to apply
When proposing an AM solution, present a cost analysis using a relevant model, clearly stating its assumptions and limitations, and comparing it to traditional manufacturing costs.
Project actions
- 01When researching costs for your design project, look for studies that compare different cost models for your chosen manufacturing method.
- 02Be specific about the type of Additive Manufacturing process (e.g., FDM, SLA, SLS) when searching for cost models.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Provides a comprehensive overview of existing AM cost models.
- +Focuses on the managerial and economic aspects of AM adoption.
Limitations
The cost models reviewed might not account for all real-world factors like machine downtime, operator skill, or post-processing variations.
Reliability & validity
The reliability of the findings depends on the comprehensiveness of the literature search. Validity is enhanced by the critical analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of each model, rather than just presenting them.
Think critically
How might the rapid pace of innovation in Additive Manufacturing render current cost models obsolete or less accurate over time?
Design Principles
"Cost models for emerging manufacturing technologies should be critically evaluated for their scope, assumptions, and applicability to the specific design and production context."
As AM technologies mature and become more integrated into industrial production, understanding their cost implications is crucial for design and manufacturing professionals. A robust cost model can inform decisions about material selection, process optimization, and overall project viability.
What This Means for Your Design
There are different ways to calculate the cost of making things with 3D printers, but each way has good and bad points. It's important to pick the right way to calculate costs for your project.
How to use in your project
- 1.Use this review to inform your cost analysis section, explaining the challenges of costing AM and justifying the model you choose to use.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
Paragraph starter
This research highlights the importance of critically evaluating cost models for Additive Manufacturing (AM) from an operations management perspective. As AM matures, understanding its economic implications is vital. The literature review indicates that while various cost models exist, each possesses distinct strengths and weaknesses, necessitating careful selection based on the specific AM technology, materials, and production scale. Therefore, when developing a design project involving AM, it is crucial to apply a relevant cost model, clearly articulating its assumptions and limitations, and to compare these costs against traditional manufacturing alternatives.
Source
International Journal of Industrial Engineering Computations
Cost models of additive manufacturing: A literature review
journal · 2016
View sourceQuestions About This Research
- What does the research say about additive manufacturing cost models: a critical review for production economics?
- When evaluating the cost-effectiveness of Additive Manufacturing for a design project, select and critically assess cost models that align with the specific AM process, materials, and production scale being considered. Evidence: International Journal of Industrial Engineering Computations (2016).
- Why does "Additive Manufacturing Cost Models: A Critical Review for Production Economics" matter for design?
- As AM technologies mature and become more integrated into industrial production, understanding their cost implications is crucial for design and manufacturing professionals. A robust cost model can inform decisions about material selection, process optimization, and overall project viability.
- How can designers apply this research?
- When evaluating the cost-effectiveness of Additive Manufacturing for a design project, select and critically assess cost models that align with the specific AM process, materials, and production scale being considered.
- What were the main findings?
- Various cost models exist for AM, addressing different aspects of production economics.. Each model has inherent strengths and weaknesses related to their scope, assumptions, and the specific AM technologies they address.. The maturity of AM technology necessitates a deeper focus on managerial aspects like cost control.
- What research method was used?
- Literature Review.
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Moderate effect, based on a 2016 journal from International Journal of Industrial Engineering Computations.
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- When proposing an AM solution, present a cost analysis using a relevant model, clearly stating its assumptions and limitations, and comparing it to traditional manufacturing costs.
- What are the limitations?
- The review is based on existing literature, and the rapid evolution of AM technology may mean some models are becoming outdated. The focus is primarily on economic aspects, potentially overlooking other critical factors.