Cloud Based 3D Printing Business Modeling in the Digital Economy

Abstract

3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is becoming the industry standard for manufacturing and prototyping. Although the technology is very old, it gained a huge traction in the past two decades. 3D printing favors unique once-off orders (mass customization) in contrast to mass production. This calls for innovative business models in order to realize economic gains from the technology. Increased product innovations in the global economy also contribute to wide adoption of 3D printing unlike in the old days. A transition in the manufacturing field has brought e-manufacturing and now cloud-based manufacturing. Machines, including 3D printers, in the past were not Internet-enabled but modern designs have the capability of Internet connectivity. Cloud-based 3D printing is a new model of design that has a significant impact on today's entrepreneurs. This article focuses on a business case for a cloud-based approach in consumer product niches. A cloud-based 3D printing business model (3D-Cloud) is developed based on the business model canvas, which promises major breakthroughs in e-entrepreneurship innovation. The model uses a virtual community approach to bring together technocrats, enthusiasts, and shared 3D printer facilities of common interests, whilst promoting an enterprising spirit.

Impact Assessment of Additive Manufacturing on Sustainable Business Models in Industry 4.0 Context

“…The importance of business models for taking advantage and increase the value the value-chain of a new technology is to lead the market a schematic view of how to produce, transport and generate value to the product, giving greater security and agility to process innovation [64,65]. The additive manufacturing feature of promote the manufacture of unique and customized and even individualized orders in contrast to mass production requires innovative business models for economic gains with this technology [66].…”

“…However, few are focused on encompassing overall business analysis, focusing in general on cost modeling. In recent years, some cost models have been developed for specific additive manufacturing processes aiming to allow these technologies to be better leveraged and marketed [65,[79][80][81][82]. Furthermore, in another study, it is stated in that the several cost models proposed in the literature do not fully analyze the additive manufacturing process [82].…”

“…In value criterion through lean management processes, flexibility in manufacturing, reducing manufacturing time and increasing service and product offerings. A business model was developed in [65] for the promising additive manufacturing applications that are geared to the prospect of cloud manufacturing to drive the digital economy market. Currently, as additive manufacturing processes are more profitable for small productions, it becomes unfeasible to make adhesion of equipment for each type of manufacturing.…”

“…The adoption of additive manufacturing technology fosters changes in business models; thus, analysing within the business models canvas framework [95], it was found that in the addressed cases there was a change in value proposition, mainly due to issues involving innovation and customization [67,84,86,96,97]. The optimization of natural resources [83] and the fast cycle time [65] are also mentioned by some authors. In addition, in most cases the customer segments are geared towards small productions [82,84] and single production parts [65] or consultancy [53].…”

“…The optimization of natural resources [83] and the fast cycle time [65] are also mentioned by some authors. In addition, in most cases the customer segments are geared towards small productions [82,84] and single production parts [65] or consultancy [53]. In a particular case, the key resources field of the business models canvas change is mentioned, where additive manufacturing technology changes the resource base to the knowledge base.…”