Abstract

Researchers from the Centre for Technology Management have been exploring the current and potential impacts of the diffusion of Additive Manufacturing-3D Printing (AM-3DP).

In this week’s buns talk, they will present an overview of three on-going projects:

(1) Bit-by-Bit: Capturing the value from the digital fabrication ‘revolution’ – How are business models changing – or how might they change – as a result of the adoption of AM-3DP? What are the implications of AM-3DP on sustainability issues? How is AM-3DP diffusion affecting education and skills development?

(2) 3DP-RDM: Defining the research agenda for 3D printing enabled re-distributed manufacturing – What are the issues linking the use of AM-3DP and the re-distribution of manufacturing operations?

(3) Developing a UK National Strategy for Additive Manufacturing – What are the barriers preventing the adoption of AM-3DP by UK industry? How might these barriers be overcome?