An assessment of implementation of entry-level 3D printers from the perspective of small businesses

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the implementation of entry-level printers in small businesses and education to identify corresponding benefits, implications and challenges. Design/methodology/approach – Data were collected from four small businesses in northeast Ohio through survey- and interview-based feedback to develop an understanding of their use of entry-level 3D printing. Three businesses are representative of typical manufacturing-related small companies (final part fabrication-, tooling- and system-level suppliers) and the fourth company provides manufacturing-related educational tools. Corresponding learning from implementation and outcomes are assessed. Findings – Adoption of 3D printing technology was enabled through hands-on experience with entry-level 3D printers, even with their shortcomings. Entry-level 3D printing provided a workforce development opportunity to prepare small businesses to eventually work with production grade systems. Originality/value – This paper deta...

[1]  M. S. Lotz,et al.  Entry-level additive manufacturing: Comparing geometric complexity to high-level machines , 2013, 2013 Africon.

[2]  E. P. Flynn.  Design to manufacture — Integrating STEM principles for advanced manufacturing education , 2012, IEEE 2nd Integrated STEM Education Conference.

[3]  Sylwia Męcfal.  Recenzja książki. Robert K. yin, Case Study Research. Design and Methods (fourth Edition), thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications, 2009 , 2012 .

[4]  Henry W. Stoll,et al.  Rapid Tooling Guidelines For Sand Casting , 2010 .

[5]  Thomas W. Garsombke,et al.  Strategic Implications Facing Small Manufacturers: The Linkage between Robotization, Computerization, Automation and Performance , 1989 .

[6]  Matthew B Hoy.  3D Printing: Making Things at the Library , 2013, Medical reference services quarterly.

[7]  Andrew Walters,et al.  Case studies of advanced manufacturing technology implementation in small companies , 2006 .

[8]  T. Oko.  Interviewing as Qualitative Research: A Guide for Researchers in Education and the Social Sciences. , 1992 .

[9]  R. Yin.  Case Study Research: Design and Methods , 1984 .

[10]  Eujin Pei,et al.  Entry‐level RP machines: how well can they cope with geometric complexity? , 2011 .

[11]  Ian Campbell,et al.  Additive manufacturing: rapid prototyping comes of age , 2012 .

[12]  Ryan B. Wicker,et al.  Ranking model for 3D printers , 2013 .

[13]  Rocio von Jungenfeld,et al.  Crafting public space: findings from an interdisciplinary outdoor workshop on 3D printing , 2013 .

[14]  Nikolay N. Mirenkov,et al.  Employment of 3D printing for enhanced kanji learning , 2012, HCCE '12.

[15]  Ismail Fidan,et al.  Remotely Accessible Rapid Prototyping Laboratory: design and implementation framework , 2012 .

[16]  Shelley L. MacDougall,et al.  Partial Abandonment by Smes Investing in Advanced Manufacturing Technology: Some Qualitative Evidence , 2004 .

[17]  Wayne Johnson,et al.  Employing Rapid Prototyping in a First-Year Engineering Graphics Course , 2009 .

[18]  John W. Creswell,et al.  Qualitative Inquiry and Research Design: Choosing Among Five Approaches , 1966 .

[19]  P. Swamidass,et al.  Explaining manufacturing technology use, firm size and performance using a multidimensional view of technology , 1998 .

[20]  Ismail Fidan,et al.  Enhancement of Design and Manufacturing Curriculum Through Rapid Prototyping Practices , 2004 .

[21]  E. P. Flynn.  From design to prototype - Manufacturing STEM integration in the classroom and laboratory , 2011, 2011 Integrated STEM Education Conference (ISEC).

[22]  B MilesMatthew,et al.  Qualitative Data Analysis , 2009, Approaches and Processes of Social Science Research.

[23]  Malek Brahimi,et al.  Integration of 3D Modeling, FEA, Rapid Prototyping in Engineering Technology 2-Year Programs , 2008 .

[24]  T. S. Raghunathan,et al.  Factors Affecting the Adoption of Advanced Manufacturing Technology in Small Firms , 2000 .