Title: Advances in manufacturing using 3D printing - a managerial perspective

Authors: Tin-Chih Toly Chen; Yu-Cheng Wang

Addresses: Department of Industrial Engineering and Systems Management, Feng Chia University, No. 100, Wenhua Rd, Taichung City 407, Taiwan ' Department of Aviation Mechanical Engineering, China University of Science and Technology, No. 200, Zhonghua St., Hengshan Township, Hsinchu County 312, Taiwan

Abstract: 3D printing is introducing revolutionary changes to manufacturing. The prevalent 3D printers connected by the internet form a ubiquitous environment in which customers can easily access a nearby 3D printing facility, a phenomenon creating considerable business opportunities. However, some management issues on 3D printing for manufacturing were less frequently discussed, constituting a motive for this study. In this study, seven issues on the management of 3D technologies for manufacturing, including database management, trademark, copyright, and data security protection, business (including e-commerce) innovation, ubiquitous manufacturing, lean enterprise management, and globalisation and deglobalisation, are discussed.

Keywords: 3D printing; ubiquitous manufacturing; lean enterprise management; globalisation; deglobalisation; mass customisation.

DOI: 10.1504/IJIMS.2017.087783

International Journal of Internet Manufacturing and Services, 2017 Vol.4 No.3, pp.161 - 169

Received: 05 Dec 2015
Accepted: 08 Dec 2015
Published online: 02 Nov 2017 *

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