The Effects of Low Cost 3D Printers on Product Development in the Industries
Keywords:
new product development, 3D printing technology, 3D printers, rapid prototyping technology, adoption and diffusion of innovationAbstract
This research studies the effects of low cost 3D printers on product development process in Thailand’s industries. In particular, the research explores the dimensions of time effects and cost effects associated with the use of low cost 3D printers. This study also analyses the factors influencing the adoption of 3D printing technology and low cost 3D printers. The analysis is based on the innovation diffusion model. This research integrates quantitative and qualitative approaches and involves the use of questionnaire survey as well as the conduct of in-depth interviews. A sampling group includes the industries of electricity, electronics, automotive, architecture and design, gems and jewelry, pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing and others.
The findings reveal that the use of low cost 3D printers has effects on the product development process. The ranking factors influencing such process from high to low are: 1. Time effects which include 1.1 Communication 1.2 Personnel 1.3 Cross functional work; 2. Cost effects which include 2.1 Risks 2.2 Cost of product development 2.3 Personnel. The analyses of findings have shown that the factors affecting the adoption of low cost 3D printers are 1) Top management 2) Alternative technology 3) Design complexity 4) Technical complexity. The study reflects the perspective and trend in using innovation to improve efficiency and performance of the product development process. Rapid prototyping technology has been used to reduce time and costs of product development. These attributes affect the rate of low cost 3D printers’ adoption.
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