How 3D Printing Is Revolutionizing Lean Manufacturing

It's no coincidence that 3D printing is making a splash just as the conversation is turning toward lean. Lean manufacturing and 3D printing go together naturally. While 3D printing isn't a new technology, it is getting more attention lately because of the potential cost implications for everyone involved. The leaner you are, the more you save and the more you create. The catalyst is 3D printing.

Below are a few reasons why 3D printing and lean manufacturing go hand in hand.

Easier Prototyping

Prototypes are expensive. Traditionally, prototypes are made with drilling, cutting and removing materials. It's a potentially wasteful process that is prone to errors. Additionally, prototyping is often a process that is outsourced to a third party, which results in marked up prices and delays. You can use 3D printing to get around all of that. As the technology is becoming less expensive, a business can create a prototype at a relatively low cost, do it all in-house and ultimately reduce wasted products.

More Easily Customize Products

Today's customers are pickier. The days of one-size-fits-all bulk are largely behind us, and that has complicated manufacturing. Because 3D printing does not require the same molding and cutting as traditional manufacturing, each product can vary as needed. The ability to customize allows you to diversify and keep customers happy while running a leaner operation.

More Creativity and Efficiency

The prospect of leaner manufacturing is emboldening manufacturers to take more risks, as the stakes are much lower. What 3D printing gives manufacturers is the creative freedom to design while still in the concept stage, before a prototype even enters the equation. As a result, they are wasting less time with trial and error, which is traditionally associated with prototyping. They also reduce the amount of materials that fall by the wayside, and they make much more efficient use of their time.

More Consistency

A crucial advantage of 3D printing is consistency. Once properly programmed, a 3D printer will create exactly what you want, every single time. It not only keeps customers pleased, but it helps you run a lean shop. You aren't wasting materials on production runs that go awry, and you are no longer wasting valuable time on inconsistent products. For that reason alone, 3D printing is revolutionizing the idea of lean manufacturing.

Shorter Lead Times

Exorbitant lead times are anything but lean. Wasted time is never good for lean operations, and putting an unfeasible rush on a production run will almost always result in wasteful mistakes. Because 3D printing is consistent, you know what to expect and can set more reasonable lead times. It's good for business and good for lean manufacturing.

Local Manufacturing

As mentioned above, customers like the ability to have customized products, and they like knowing that it won't take forever to get them. Local 3D printing gives customers the close oversight they prefer and increases their ability to customize and tweak a product. The more they can be a part of the process, the more likely a manufacturer is to get it right. That means less wasted product and more happy customers.

Lower Prices

At the end of the day, it's about keeping customers happy, and nothing makes them smile more than lower prices. With 3D printing, it is possible to reduce the number of steps required to see a product through from concept to production as well as the amount of material that gets scrapped during production. Those savings of both time and material mean that customers will ultimately pay less and will return for new projects.

New Consumer Demand

It's all a cycle. Customers and businesses are becoming aware of the efficiencies being made possible with 3D printing. They are excited by the idea of customized products and the potential cost savings. With that excitement comes innovation, and with innovation comes new ways to be lean in manufacturing. One way to jumpstart lean manufacturing is with 3D printing. It also will likely lead to new, leaner processes.

About Author

Steve Erickson is the vice president of sales and engineering at First American Plastic, one of the leading manufacturers and assemblers of custom plastic injection molding and 3D printing services for the medical, industrial and automotive market.