AM Usage For Spare Parts On-Demand
Use case from 3D PRINTING.COM
3D printing production is significantly devoted to providing replacement parts, or spare parts. This application has made tremendous difference because usually the storage accounts for too much room and expense across all supply chains for parts’ replacement. Yet the reduction in physical inventory is not the only reason why businesses and organisations around the world are embracing 3D printing to produce replacement parts on-demand. The following are a few more reasons:
Shorter lead times – By printing a component in a manufacturing centre close to the consumer, it removes almost all the time associated with shipping and distribution, and the item makes it into their hands much faster. A week or two differences in time is considerable in critical applications.
Cost savings – A 3D printed part may cost more than a machined or injection moulded part, but after factoring in lower freight and storage costs as well as cost savings due to reduced downtime due to getting the part sooner, 3D printing is often the more economical option.
Recontinued parts – Eventually, each part is discontinued, either by becoming obsolete to a newer iteration or by shutting down the manufacturer. For customers still using machinery running on those parts that are discontinued, well, they are in a pickle. 3D printing on-demand can resurrect discontinued pieces and extend the life of legacy equipment.
Larger inventories – One of the toughest aspects of physical inventory management is to anticipate which parts will be required and how many each will be kept in stock. Parts don’t always fail in their life expectancy, and even if they did, keeping track of any aspect of each customer’s age is still quite a challenge. When a supplier miscalculates demand, they either end up with excess inventory, which entails additional costs for them, or they don’t have enough parts to meet their customers ‘ needs, which entails additional costs for them and the customers. Digital on-demand 3D printing inventories allow suppliers to meet their customers’ unpredictable needs without all of the storage costs.
Customization – Also, 3D printed parts can be found in different hues, surfaces, and materials. They can be redone and promoted effectively as well. Once more, these applications are costing no extra.
Increased output – The days of fragile 3D printed plastic prototypes are long gone. Today, 3D printed metals are harder than forged metals, and many other 3D printing techniques include isotropic parts on an equal standing with parts produced by traditional processing.
