Purpose -The purpose of this paper is to highlight how rapid manufacturing (RM) of plastic parts combined with part redesign could have positive repercussion on cost saving. Design/methodology/approach -Comparison between two different technologies for plastic part production, the traditional injection molding (IM) and the emergent RM, is done with consideration of both the geometric possibilities of RM and the economic aspect. From an extended literature review, the redesign guidelines and the cost model are identified and then applied to a component selected for its shape complexity. It is an assembly that was redesigned for RM purpose, in order to take advantage of additive manufacturing potentialities. The geometric and economic differences between IM and RM are discussed. Findings -This research evidences that currently in Western Europe RM combined with redesign can be economically convenient and competitive to IM for medium volume production of plastic parts. Consequently, this is a great opportunity to keep the production in Europe instead of moving it overseas.Research limitations/implications -As regards manufacturing costs, results presented in this study are mainly based on cost estimation provided by Italian companies and it is assumed that the plant is located in Western Europe. Practical implications -The research assesses the feasibility of making functional and operational plastic parts without the use of traditional manufacturing processes by redesign for RM. Originality/value -Two different kinds of research papers comparing RM and IM exist in literature: on the one hand, the two techniques are evaluated from the economical point of view, on the other, the part redesign is analyzed. No paper considers the interrelation between redesign and cost estimation. In this work, these aspects are combined to point out that a remarkable cost reduction is obtained when the component shape is modified to exploit RM advantages.
Inconel 625 (IN625) is a Ni superalloy ideal for the aeronautic and aerospace industries because of its superior mechanical and corrosion resistance properties. However, the production of components with complex geometries by traditional processes is very expensive, so additive manufacturing (AM) technologies can be applied to reduce the costs. In this work, IN625 alloy is processed by two different AM processes: selective laser melting (SLM) and laser metal deposition (LMD). First, the different powders are characterized, and then a parameter optimization is performed to obtain the highest possible density (over 99.8%) and hardness, showing very fine microstructures. The LMD process allows the highest build-up rate, but results in less dimensional accuracy and a lower hardness than the SLM process.
The emerging of the fourth industrial revolution, also known as Industry 4.0 (I4.0), from the advancement in several technologies is viewed not only to promote economic growth, but also to enable a greener future. The 2030 Agenda of the United Nations for sustainable development sets out clear goals for the industry to foster the economy, while preserving social well-being and ecological validity. However, the influence of I4.0 technologies on the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) has not been conclusively or systematically investigated. By understanding the link between the I4.0 technologies and the SDGs, researchers can better support policymakers to consider the technological advancement in updating and harmonizing policies and strategies in different sectors (i.e., education, industry, and governmental) with the SDGs. To address this gap, academic experts in this paper have investigated the influence of I4.0 technologies on the sustainability targets identified by the UN. Key I4.0 element technologies have been classified to enable a quantitative mapping with the 17 SDGs. The results indicate that the majority of the I4.0 technologies can contribute positively to achieving the UN agenda. It was also found that the effects of the technologies on individual goals varies between direct and strong, and indirect and weak influences. The main insights and lessons learned from the mapping are provided to support future policy.
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