Scenarios for the development of platform-based networks for additive spare part production

Abstract

The additive manufacturing technique “Selective Laser Melting” (SLM) provides the basis that is required for a fundamental paradigm shift in industrial spare part manufacturing, which affects both technological and organizational company practices. To harness the full potential of the SLM-technology with regard to agility and customizability, decentralized additive production networks need to be established. According to the principles of just in time, just in place and just enough, a global online platform that distributes construction orders to local manufacturing hubs could empower the market participants to utilize production capacities at optimal costs and minimal efforts. This work evaluates relevant fields of action by developing three future scenarios, which point out different future developments of key factors within the subject area. These scenarios enable market participants to react better and more agilely to unexpected market developments and, by doing so, make it easier for them to use the full potential of plat-form-based additive spare part production.