Implementing 3D Printing Technology for ABC Manufacturing Company

This report examines the effects of implementing 3D printing technology for ABC Manufacturing Company. It begins with an executive summary and an introduction to 3D printing, defining its processes including liquid-based, solid-based, powder-based, and paper-based methods. The report then explores various applications of 3D printing across industries such as manufacturing, medical, automotive, aerospace, and food. Popular 3D printing technologies like Stereo Lithography (SLA), Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), Laminated Object Manufacturing (LOM), and Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) are discussed in detail. The report outlines the proposed benefits and limitations of adopting 3D printing for ABC Manufacturing, followed by a conclusion and recommendations, suggesting that ABC can apply stereo lithography technology for their production processes to boost their expansion capabilities. The report references various sources to support its findings.

Running head: 3D PRINTING TECHNOLOGY IMPLEMENTATION 1
THE EFFECTS OF IMPLEMENTING 3D PRINTING TECHNOLOGY FOR ABC
MANUFACTURING COMPANY
BY
NAME:
STUDENT NUMBER:
ASSESSMENT NUMBER:
DATE:
CQU EMAIL ADDRESS:
TUTOR:
UNIT COORDINATOR:

3D PRINTING TECHNOLOGY IMPLEMENTATION 2
Executive Summary
3D printing technology is an emerging innovation that has been transforming many industries
across the globe. It has especially transformed the manufacturing industry which is now using
several 3D printing technologies. This report expounds on 3D technology by fully detailing its
meaning and procedures. It has also discussed 3D printing technologies such as liquid based,
powder based, solid based and paper based processes. 3D printing technologies including Stereo
Lithography, Lamination Object Modelling, Selective Laser Technology, and Fused Deposition
Modelling have been expounded. Industries using 3D printing technology including
Manufacturing, Health, Automobile, Aerospace, and food industry have been discussed in
details. Additionally, benefits and limitations of implementing 3D printing are outlined with an
aim to provide details on the impact of adopting 3D printing for ABC manufacturing company.
Finally, the researcher has provided a conclusion and recommends that ABC can apply stereo
lithography technology for their production processes which will boost their expansion
capabilities.
Table of Contents

3D PRINTING TECHNOLOGY IMPLEMENTATION 3
Executive Summary.........................................................................................................................2
1.0 Introduction...........................................................................................................................3
2.0 3D Printing Technology.......................................................................................................3
3.0 3D Printing Processes...........................................................................................................5
3.1 Liquid Based Processes..........................................................................................................5
3.2 Solid Based Processes............................................................................................................5
3.3 Powder Based Processes........................................................................................................5
3.4 Paper Based Processes...........................................................................................................6
4.0 Applications 3D Printing Technology..................................................................................6
4.1 Manufacturing Industry..........................................................................................................6
4.2 Medical and Dental Industry..................................................................................................7
4.3 Automobile Industry..............................................................................................................7
4.4 Aerospace Industry................................................................................................................8
4.5 Food Industry.........................................................................................................................8
5.0 Popular 3D Printing Technologies.......................................................................................8
5.1 Stereo lithography (SLA).......................................................................................................8
5.2 Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM).......................................................................................9
5.3 Laminated Object Manufacturing (LOM)............................................................................10
5.4 Selective Laser Sintering Technology (SLS).......................................................................11
6.0 Proposed Benefits of Adopting 3D Printing for ABC Company.......................................11
7.0 Limitations of 3D Printing Technology for ABC...............................................................12
8.0 Conclusion and Recommendations.....................................................................................12
9.0 References...........................................................................................................................13

3D PRINTING TECHNOLOGY IMPLEMENTATION 4
1.0 Introduction
ABC is a medium-sized manufacturing company headquartered in Melbourne, Victoria that was
established in established in 2008. ABC specializes in manufacturing computers and printers for
business organizations in Victoria. Currently, ABC Company has several retail branches located
within Victoria and caters to corporate and retail clients. ABC is presently looking into ways of
expanding its processes and products to other states in Australia as well as moving its operations
online. To be able to implement the expansion, the company wants to look for a cheaper and
more effective way to manufacture computers and printers for clients. Therefore, it is imperative
for ABC to understand 3D technology and applications for industries especially manufacturing
companies. Additionally, it is crucial to research and understand whether ABC Company can
benefit from 3D technology implementation, as well as know the resulting implementation
impacts, limitations and challenges.
2.0 3D Printing Technology
3D printing refers to emerging printing innovations where printing material including liquid or
powder molecules is added together, joined and hardened using computers to create a three-
dimensional objects (Cummins, 2010). 3D printing technology is not merely new. The
technology dates back to 1980 when research about functional rapid prototyping solid models
using polymers were published, printed and built up layer after layer with the layers
corresponding to a respective slice in the model (Goldberg, 2018). Few years later, the stereo
lithography was invented allowing designers to create 3D models using computers which would
then be used to develop solid physical objects (Goldberg, 2018). Stereo lithography technology
encompasses using processes used in additive layer fabrication according to Prabhu (2016), and

3D PRINTING TECHNOLOGY IMPLEMENTATION 5
occurs in three phases. The first one includes the transfer of digital data from computers to form
printed structures directly through repeated positioning of a printer’s head in three directions in
order to print solid objects object layer by layer (Ramya & Sai leela, 2016). In the printing
process, the first design is usually made using computer aided design (CAD). Afterwards, the
design is printed into a prototype through two dimensional slices assembling that represents the
3D object and then printed layer by layer until completion (Ramya & Sai leela, 2016). The
second phase, which is the manufacturing process is then done using coating and fusing
processes where material is laid on the surface and energy remitted to do the printing (Lu &
Reynolds, 2008). The raw materials and energy source usually depend on the type of technology
selected. 3D printed prototypes help manufacturers examine product design effectively and test it
out before mass manufacturing of goods. Additionally, they allow manufacturers to produce
prototypes much quickly only spending hours or days instead of months unlike conventional
printing methods. Today 3D printing has continued to evolve and is now used to create and print
sophisticated structures in solid pieces. 3D printing processes are becoming more efficient,
cheaper and faster and 3D printing materials have increased to now include ceramics, metals and
more (Crawford, 2018).
3.0 3D Printing Processes
Several processes can be followed to enable 3D printing technology including the following:
3.1 Liquid Based Processes
In liquid based processes, 3D printers create object layers by selectively coagulating a mastic
liquid called a photopolymer which then hardens when exposed to light or laser technology

3D PRINTING TECHNOLOGY IMPLEMENTATION 6
(Ramya & Sai leela, 2016). Other photopolymer 3D printers build object layers using liquid
containers. Still, others splash out a resin in a single layer and utilize ultraviolent light to solidify
it before adding the subsequent layer. Furthermore, several 3D printers have the capability to
combine different photopolymers in one printing job which allow them to create prototypes
made up of varied compound materials (Ramya & Sai leela, 2016).
3.2 Solid Based Processes
Solid based procedures are used with types of 3D printers that generate prototypes by producing
molten liquid material from a printer nozzle head (Ramya & Sai leela, 2016). As such, solid
based processes encompass extruding semi liquid thermoplastic that solidifies on leaving the
print head. Additionally, there are other solid based 3D printers that create object prototypes by
producing molten metal, clay or concrete.
3.3 Powder Based Processes
There also includes powder based 3D processes where 3D printers create object prototypes by
sticking together sequential layers of powder. To bind powder granules together, an adhesive is
jetted on every layer of powder or fused on powder layers using heat or laser technology (Ramya
& Sai leela, 2016). Also, some 3D printers melt and then bind together powder granules on an
object material which is then deposited onto the created surface. Several forms of adhesions can
be used to print 3D objects using powdered processes including nylon, ceramics, bio-plastics,
titanium, bronze, wax, stainless steel and more.
3.4 Paper Based Processes

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3D printers can also use paper-based procedures. In paper based processes, succeeding layers
made up of paper, plastic or metal are bundled together to create solid objects (Ramya & Sai
leela, 2016). Although layers of paper are used in such processes, they are normally cut using
laser or blade and glued together. Additionally, they can also be jetted with ink during printing in
order to build low cost, colored 3D printed products (Jabbar & Alaa Jabbar Qasim, 2015).
4.0 Applications 3D Printing Technology
Product designers and engineers from various industries have now been using 3D to create
product prototypes, models and patterns for more than 10 years according to Technopolis Group
(2013). As such 3D printing can be applied in various fields including automotive
manufacturing, consumer good printing, health, dentistry, biomedical engineering aerospace and
more(Oluwole, 2017). Popular industries where 3D printing has been applied include the
following:
4.1 Manufacturing Industry
According to an article published by Sydney Morning Herald, the Manufacturing Technology
Institute Limited (AMTIL) in Australia already launched an Additive Manufacturing Hub in
order to increase 3D printing collaboration in the industry (Stuart, 2014). The Australian
government is also in full support of funding additive manufacturing research centre (Stuart,
2014). The Australian 3D manufacturing association is also actively researching and help
develop the manufacturing industry in the country.
4.2 Medical and Dental Industry

3D PRINTING TECHNOLOGY IMPLEMENTATION 8
The health industry is increasingly benefitting from 3D printing as more and more medical
applications are being developed using the technology and are greatly transforming health care.
The technology is being used to print actual body organs and tissues through fabrication and
creation of tailored prosthetics as well as implants (Ventola, 2014). The only difference is body
organs are not printed with clay or plastics but use real biological cells grown in laboratories. In
the dental industry, the technology is used to print customized jawbones and dentures in case of
fractured jaws or loss of teeth through accidents. 3D printing applied in medicine can therefore
provide many benefits including drug development, medical, and medical equipment. As result,
it brings efficiency, effectiveness, cost savings and increased in the field.
4.3 Automobile Industry
Automotive designers and engineers have not been left behind as they are already implementing
3D printing innovation to design car and motorcycle parts. For instance, a 3D printer was used to
help design and develop a 920nm torque supercar (Javelin 3D Printers , 2018). Another example
is that of a motorcycle maker who has enhanced engine design using FDM 3D printing
technology (Bekiaris, 2015). Besides, Tesla, a leading electric cars manufacturing company
actively use 3D to generate car components (Oko Institute for Applied Ecology, 2013).
4.4 Aerospace Industry
The aerospace industry is also implementing 3D technology. For instance, leading aerospace
enterprises such Honeywell and Lockheed Martin are integrating the technology to do their
designs (Flanagan, 2014). Companies such as Alabama factory has invested in 3D and is using
3D printed nozzles for their jet engine. For the aerospace industry, parts that used to require
about 20 components now need one to work.

3D PRINTING TECHNOLOGY IMPLEMENTATION 9
4.5 Food Industry
The food industry is also greatly benefiting from 3D printing technology. 3D food printing works
in a similar manner to ordinary 3D Printing. Typically, food material is extruded and placed
layer after layer on a surface and edible raw materials are put in a syringe like container and used
to make food products with customized shapes (Manya, 2016). Food 3D printing permits precise
food measurements and places nutrients and calories as the food is getting ready. Additionally, it
allow multiple food ingredients to be combined together in many varied forms. In Australia,
Meat and Livestock Australia have started printing 3D meat to help in waste reduction and
production costs (Clarke, 2016).
5.0. Popular 3D Printing Technologies
5.1 Stereo lithography (SLA)
Stereo lithography is the most extensively used 3D printing technology. Invented by Charles
Hull, stereo lithography was the first form of rapid prototyping methodology that is now used for
producing prototypes, models, and producing object layers using photopolymers (US Patents ,
2018). It produces high-quality detailed and accurate polymers. It works by building object
prototypes parts one layer after the other by outlining a laser beam on the surface of a liquid
photopolymer. The photopolymer speedily solidifies as a laser beam strikes the liquid surface
(PhotoLabs , 2018).
Advantages of SLA
i. Speed – prototype parts can be produced in a day
ii. Accuracy
iii. Produces strong designs and prototypes

3D PRINTING TECHNOLOGY IMPLEMENTATION 10
iv. Can be used to make very many patterns for injection molding, blow molding,
thermoforming, and other metal casting processes
v. Can be used to produce large sized objects
vi. Good surface finishing
Disadavntages of SLA include:
i. The process is costly as polymers are expensive costing about $800 a gallon and SLA
machines costing approximately $250000.
ii. Limited materials
5.2 Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)
Developed by Stratasys, FDM is the second most popular type of rapid prototyping. It is a
process, whereby wax or plastic material is removed through a print nozzle that drops layer after
layer in form of cross sectional geometry (Stratasys, 2018). During the printing process, a plastic
strand is undone from a coil that supplies the material to a nozzle which is heated to melt the
plastic. It then deposits layers of thin plastic to form layers which harden immediately. The coil
can support different types of material.
Advantages
i) Uses efficient machines developed with accuracy and high resolution
ii) Produces high-quality machine tensile strength
iii) Fast - can produce many products in a short time
iv) Can be used to create multiple colored objects
v) Used for producing machines that can withstand a lot of heat
vi) Can be used to produce all kinds of designs using computer aided design(CAD)
vii) Provides automatic scaling so that parts can fit in the machine
Disadvantages
i) Has limited raw material - only works with ceramics and few plastics

3D PRINTING TECHNOLOGY IMPLEMENTATION 11
ii) Cannot be used for extremely large sized objects
iii) Initial costs of investment is expensive
5.3 Laminated Object Manufacturing (LOM)
LOM was designed and developed by Helisys Company (Elizabeth, 2013). LOM manufacturing
systems contain a feed mechanism where materials are inserted into a roller. The roller is then
heated to apply pressure to layers and a laser beam that cuts the outline components to make
sheet layer (Azom, 2002). After the cutting, a sheet of layer is laid on top of another where a
heated roller spreads pressure to bind the layers together. The laser is used to cut layer outlines
and the process repeated until all parts are done.
Advantages
i. Manufacturing components don’t require support structure
ii. High manufacturing speeds
iii. Processes only the necessary components hence does not waste a lot of material
Disadvantages
i. It is a challenge to produce good bonds within object layer
ii. Poor surface finishing
iii. Difficulty to manufacture hollow components
5.4 Selective Laser Sintering Technology (SLS)
SLS was developed by Carl Deckard and his colleagues at the University of Texas, Austin and
later traded it to DTM Company. It was then acquired by 3D systems (Deckard, 1989). The
method uses thermoplastic powder that is spread using a roller over a cylindrical surface area.
The cylinder moves up and down to accommodate every new layer addition and a piston moves
upward in order to supply a specific amount of powder for every layer (Crawford , 2018). A laser

3D PRINTING TECHNOLOGY IMPLEMENTATION 12
beam then passes over the surface to melt and join the powder granules tightly together to form
compacted object layers.
Advantages
i. Method is entirely self-supporting
ii. Provides strong and stiff components
iii. Good finishing capabilities
iv. Good chemical resistance
v. Can accommodate several materials
Disadvantages
i. Printed components may get porous surfaces
ii.
6.0 Proposed Benefits of Adopting 3D Printing for ABC Company
3D printing technology will enable ABC to:
i. Lower manufacturing and production time because it reduces prototype production to
only a few hours or days. If ABC used to take months to develop a computer prototype,
3D technology will enable the same prototype to be developed in hours or few days
increasing productivity
ii. Minimize production costs
iii. Test product design and prototype before embarking on mass manufacturing
iv. ABC will be able to customize products to suit specific user requirements
v. Improved products quality
vi. Waste reduction
7.0 Limitations of 3D Printing Technology for ABC
3D printing technology could be affected by the following limitations:
i. Costly machinery investments and skills expertise investments for ABC
ii. Costly 3D printers

3D PRINTING TECHNOLOGY IMPLEMENTATION 13
iii. Limited printing materials
8.0 Conclusion and Recommendations
8.1 Conclusion
3D technology is increasingly transforming major industries across the globe. It is enabling faster
development of product designs and prototypes. It has enabled the development of customized
consumer goods and products. It has improved product testing and greatly reduced waste
production. Its effects can be felt in every field from food, to complicated industry solutions such
as manufacturing.
8.1 Recommendations
The researcher recommends ABC to invest in 3D printing using stereo lithography technology to
manufacture printers and computers for their clients.
By doing so,
 ABC will be able to design and fully test their design prototypes before mass
manufacture which will this reduce product defects and errors
 ABC will be able to speedily manufacture products as 3D takes much lesser time
 The company can incorporate other materials not previously used for manufacturing
 The company will be able to expand to many states in the country since they will increase
their production and retail processes

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9.0 References

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Azom. (2002, September 13). Rapid Prototyping – Laminated Object Modelling and Computer
Aided Manufacturing of Laminated Engineering Materials. Retrieved from
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Bekiaris, J. (2015, December 17). The Future of Making Cars: How 3D Printing Will
Revolutionize the Auto Industry. Retrieved from 3dprint.com:
https://3dprint.com/111644/3d-printing-revolutionize-auto/
Clarke, C. (2016, November 29). AUSTRALIAN RIPPA COULD BE THE FUTURE OF 3D
PRINTING AND FOOD. Retrieved from 3dprintingindustry.com:
https://3dprintingindustry.com/news/australian-rippa-future-3d-printing-food-99819/
Crawford, S. (2018). How 3-D Printing Works. Retrieved from computer.howstuffworks.com:
https://computer.howstuffworks.com/3-d-printing1.htm
Crawford, S. (2018, May 6). Photopolimerization and Sinistering. Retrieved from
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additive-manufacturing/
Deckard, C. (1989). Method and apparatus for producing parts by selective sintering. Retrieved
from US Patents : https://patents.google.com/patent/US4863538
Elizabeth, P. (2013, October 9). What is Laminated Object Manufacturing? Retrieved from
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manufacturing.html
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Manya, J. (2016, July 18). 5 Innovations In 3D Printing. Retrieved from www.entrepreneur.com:
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