Short answer

Implement a multi-faceted metric system that includes economic, social, and environmental factors when evaluating the adoption of additive manufacturing for production.

Field: Commercial Production
Source: Advances in transdisciplinary engineering (2016)
Method: Systematic Study
Evidence: Moderate effect

Evaluating additive manufacturing (AM) through a comprehensive set of economic, social, and environmental metrics is crucial for determining its suitability and sustainability in various production scales. This commercial production research insight is drawn from a 2016 study published in Advances in transdisciplinary engineering. Using Systematic study, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Implement a multi-faceted metric system that includes economic, social, and environmental factors when evaluating the adoption of additive manufacturing for production.

Study

Commercial ProductionHigh ImpactModerate effect

Additive Manufacturing Metrics Drive Sustainable Production Decisions

Advances in transdisciplinary engineering · 2016

Key Findings

01Additive manufacturing (AM) has the potential to impact production system dynamics and organizational structures.
02AM can enable novel business models and improve access to underestimated market segments.
03A systematic approach correlating economic, social, and environmental factors is needed to assess AM's suitability and sustainability.

Application

Design takeaway

Implement a multi-faceted metric system that includes economic, social, and environmental factors when evaluating the adoption of additive manufacturing for production.

How to apply

When considering additive manufacturing for a new product or production line, develop a scorecard that quantifies costs, environmental footprint, and potential social benefits.

Project actions

01When researching a new manufacturing process, think about its impact beyond just the production phase.
02Consider how different metrics (cost, time, environmental impact) can be combined to make a decision.

Method & Evidence

AimWhat metrics are applied in additive manufacturing to assess its economic, social, and environmental advantages and disadvantages across different production scales?

MethodSystematic Study

ProcedureThe study investigates and correlates economic, social, and environmental key points related to additive manufacturing technologies to identify their suitability for current manufacturing companies based on their business goals.

ContextIndustrial Production and Manufacturing

Variables

IVAdditive Manufacturing Technologies, Production Scale

DVEconomic, Social, and Environmental Metrics

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

+Addresses a timely and relevant topic in manufacturing.
+Advocates for a holistic approach to technology assessment.

Limitations

The research is a review of metrics and their application, not an experimental validation of specific AM technologies.

Reliability & validity

The study's validity relies on the systematic review of existing literature and the logical correlation of identified metrics. Reliability would depend on the consistency of reporting and data availability within the reviewed sources.

Think critically

How can the 'social' aspect of additive manufacturing metrics be objectively quantified and compared across different industries?

Design Principles

"Holistic evaluation of emerging manufacturing technologies is essential for sustainable and strategic implementation."

As AM technologies mature, understanding their true impact beyond prototyping is essential for strategic adoption. A systematic evaluation allows businesses to align AM implementation with their specific goals, ensuring both economic viability and environmental responsibility.

What This Means for Your Design

To know if 3D printing is good for making lots of things, we need to look at how much it costs, how it affects people, and if it's good for the environment.

How to use in your project

1.Use this research to justify the selection of a manufacturing method by demonstrating a comprehensive evaluation process.

Add to My Project

Quick Cite

Paragraph starter

This study emphasizes the need for a systematic evaluation of additive manufacturing (AM) technologies by correlating economic, social, and environmental key points. This approach is vital for determining the suitability of AM for various production scales and aligning its implementation with business objectives, ensuring both commercial viability and sustainability.

Source

Advances in transdisciplinary engineering

Measure Additive Manufacturing for Sustainable Manufacturing

journal · 2016

View source

Questions About This Research

What does the research say about additive manufacturing metrics drive sustainable production decisions?: Implement a multi-faceted metric system that includes economic, social, and environmental factors when evaluating the adoption of additive manufacturing for production. Evidence: Advances in transdisciplinary engineering (2016).
Why does "Additive Manufacturing Metrics Drive Sustainable Production Decisions" matter for design?: As AM technologies mature, understanding their true impact beyond prototyping is essential for strategic adoption. A systematic evaluation allows businesses to align AM implementation with their specific goals, ensuring both economic viability and environmental responsibility.
How can designers apply this research?: Implement a multi-faceted metric system that includes economic, social, and environmental factors when evaluating the adoption of additive manufacturing for production.
What were the main findings?: Additive manufacturing (AM) has the potential to impact production system dynamics and organizational structures.. AM can enable novel business models and improve access to underestimated market segments.. A systematic approach correlating economic, social, and environmental factors is needed to assess AM's suitability and sustainability.
What research method was used?: Systematic Study.
How strong is the evidence?: Evidence strength is rated Moderate effect, based on a 2016 journal from Advances in transdisciplinary engineering.
What should I do differently in my next project?: When considering additive manufacturing for a new product or production line, develop a scorecard that quantifies costs, environmental footprint, and potential social benefits.
What are the limitations?: The paper focuses on the *application* of metrics rather than providing a definitive set of metrics or a comparative analysis of specific AM technologies.