Assessment Task 2 Case Study Analysis On 3D Printing

US108 Informatics

Assessment Task 2 Case Study Analysis on 3D Printing

Due date: 13 October 2017

Word limit: 1500 +- 10%

Prepared by:

Pieternella Lena Busk

SN 1109192

[e-mail]

University of the Sunshine Coast

Table of Contents

Executive summary 3

Introduction 4

Why is 3D printing more appropriately called additive manufacturing? 4

Is 3D printing better suited for high or low volumes of production? 5

In what situations is 3D printing most valuable? 5

What do the leading research and investment firms forecast for 3D printing? 8

How can 3D printing make some type of traditional manufacturing obsolete and 9 how could it affect you? 9

Conclusion 10

Recommendations 11

References 11

Executive summary

This analysis was

wearable devices such as hearing aids, dental implants, artificial limbs and tissue engineering to name but a few. It also draws attention to the vast growth in the value of investment in 3D printing, in particular metal 3D printing, and the predicted exponential growth over the next few years, a rate of over double in the next 3 years as per Figure 3.

It is recommended that for 3D printing to be of benefit to all we must:

• Use it for the benefit of the vast range of sustainability it can provide

• Not use it at a rate where it starts to affect a countries people, jobs and economy

• Use it for the good of mankind, especially in relation to the immense benefits that can be gained in medicine

• Ensure there are steps in place so no one can use it for the manufacturing of weapons such as programs that target and eliminate such files (Summers & Smith,

Social and technological trends have changed consumers purchasing habits over the past decade towards a more sustainable way of life. 3D printing will assist consumers in living a more sustainable lifestyle and will see growth increase as demands accelerate. However, some organisations such as the US defense believe deglobalisation is a threat to their country which could “have momentous security implications” (Hammes,