Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
3D Printing and Lean Manufacturing
3D printing fits well into a manufacturing and process management program such as “Lean”
or the “Toyota Production System”. The main principle in “Lean” is to reduce “Muda” or
“wastes” in plain English. “Lean” originally listed 7 wastes (now sometimes 8, since non-
used employee talent is included): Transportation, Inventory, Motion, Waiting, Over-pro-
cessing, Over-production and Defects.
Transportation
: transportation of goods should be kept to a minimum. 3D printing enables
localized production to a higher degree than traditional manufacturing which reduces trans-
portation. 3D Printing - Traditional Manufacturing 1-0
Inventory
: the less inventory the better. 3D printing enables print-on-demand of single
items while large batches often is necessary in traditional manufacturing. 3D Printing - Tra-
ditional Manufacturing 2-0
Motion
: people, equipment or information making unnecessary motion due to workplace
layout ergonomic issues or searching for misplaced items. 3D printing involves less people
and usually less steps in the process, in some cases it might not be applicable, but: 3D Print-
ing - Traditional Manufacturing 3-0
Waiting
: waiting for the previous step in the process to complete. Once again there are less
steps in 3D printing and therefore less waiting, however processing capacity of traditional
machines might be higher, which could result in longer waiting times for 3D printing if the
production capacity (i.e. number of 3D printers) is limited. Let us call it a draw. 3D Printing
- Traditional Manufacturing still 3-0
Over-processing
: performing more work than is needed to produce a functioning product.
This waste is depending on situation and is non-applicable in this match. 3D Printing - Tra-
ditional Manufacturing still 3-0
Over-production
: No explanation needed. 3D printing is the clear winner in this case. Tra-
ditional mass production requires large batches which often result in over-production. 3D
printing does not have this problem. 3D Printing - Traditional Manufacturing 4-0
