Tools for EMS manufacturing quote pricing analysis - Optimize total landed cost savings for your contract electronics outsourcing programs

Details here

Tools for EMS manufacturing quote pricing analysis - Optimize total landed cost savings for your contract electronics outsourcing programs

Details here
 
25 Years solving global, regional and local priorities.

Menu


Pros and cons of 3D printing, additive manufacturing in contract electronics

By VentureOutsource.com

There is great potential for 3D printing to disrupt the $12 trillion manufacturing market. Additive manufacturing (AM) or 3D printing (for private use systems) creates 3D objects layer by layer from a 3D design file (typically in STL, stereolithography format) with a 3D printer and has only penetrated 18% of its $40 billion available AM market.

For many contract electronics solutions providers in industry seeking for ways to remain relevant, additive manufacturing is becoming increasingly more important for attracting and retaining customers as products becomes more complex, lead times become increasingly shorter, and EMS/ODM industry absorbs more of the OEM supply chain while customers demand more customization.

Below, pros and cons in the current 3D printing/additive manufacturing market today as prepared by John Roy with investment bank UBS.

Pros

Mass customization: No re-tooling required to make different products

Lower wastage: Additive manufacturing uses less raw material than the subtractive method, which wastes up to 95%

Design freedom: Hardly any limitations in the design process and hence no need for design for production

Time to market (prototyping): No need for complex tooling to produce prototypes, more design freedom and flexibility

Part consolidation: No need for complex joining and soldering of individual products

Tooling reduction: Reduction or potential elimination of tooling

Inventory and logistics: Just-in-time production and less product complexity reduces inventory and complex logistics

Packing efficiencies: Different products can be printed in same batch

Weight savings: Additive manufacturing allows for different geometries

Find electronics design services
Go

In your search results, you will be able to further target provider options such as 3D printing and additive manufacturing by adding keywords, choosing your product End Markets, then expanding your search.

Cons

Lack of economies of scale: Cost for printing first article remains similar to cost for printing of the n-th item

Raw material cost and availability: Individual raw materials still limited and expensive; lack of combinability of different raw materials with different melting points

Equipment cost and availability: High equipment prices, limited size of 3D products (up to 30 cm edge length), printing equipment production capacity and service

Low speed (production): Ultra-thin layers (0.001” to 0.010”) and up to 1,000 layers needed for a single inch; a single inch might take up to 3 hours to print

IP and warranty issues: Plagiarism is potentially easier, with files sent around for printing; product warranty issues severed by interim design changes

Availability of 3D software: Lack of software to translate developer ideas into 3D printer parameters; easier-to-use software and web-based software needed

Product finishing: Product finishing for 3D printed products is often not ready to market and needs to be fine-tuned using other techniques

Design rules, certification process: Common industry standards are still scarce and processes need to be certified

Process reliability and integration: Today’s CNC machines tend to be fully integrated into production processes while AM is still mostly stand- alone machines

Source: Wohlers Report 2013, GE, UBS

Get a list of EMS manufacturers matching your program needs (Its free)

Venture Outsource has the largest, global database of contract electronics capabilities. Get a free list of contract EMS manufacturing companies matching your program needs.

“Was able to very quickly find details on the important elements of setting up EMS and ODM partnerships, talked with an advisor for personalized info on quality providers matching our requirements while getting up to speed quickly about the industry and connect with key staff from like-minded companies and potential partners. Great resource.”

— Jeff Treuhaft, Sr. Vice President, Fusion-IO

Advisors have access to detailed information on listings in our global database and can help you compare provider service capabilities to better match your program needs. Speak with a Provider Advisor. This free service is for electronic professionals working in OEM brand companies.

Talk to an Advisor




Private message OEM peers. Access all content.

For electronic OEM professionals working in OEM companies. Connect with OEM peers and access exclusive content.

https://ventureoutsource.com/contract-manufacturing/pros-and-cons-of-3d-printing-additive-manufacturing-in-contract-electronics/

Provider spotlight

About Venture Outsource, LLC

Venture Outsource, LLC site content and our consulting services help electronic manufacturers plan and execute global, regional and local priorities. Our chief assets are knowledge and interactions. The business is divided into two divisions: an operating division which includes education and training, and consulting and research.



Copyright Venture Outsource, LLC. All Rights Reserved
The material on this site is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal, financial or professional advice. Distribution and use of this material are governed by our User Terms Agreement and by copyright law. By using our Website you agree to site Terms and Privacy policies. For questions email insight@ventureoutsource.com or visit www.ventureoutsource.com