3-D printing: The new industrial revolution
Barry Berman
Frank G. Zarb School of Business, Hofstra University , 222 Weller Hall, Hempstead, NY 11549, U.S.A. 1. A multi-faceted technology:
3-D printing
The purpose of this article is to provide an overview
of the 3-D printing process; its current and potential
uses; its advantages as compared with other tech-
nologies such as mass customization, injection
molding, and cutting-based machinery; and its lim-
itations. Practical considerations concerning the
adaptability of 3-D printing for a variety of appli-
cations are explored, as are prospective future
developments concerning the technology . 3-D printing employs an additive manufacturing
process whereby products are built on a layer-by-
layer basis, through a series of cross-sectional slices. While 3-D printers work in a manner similar to
traditional laser or inkjet printers, rather than using
multi-colored inks, the 3-D printer uses powder that
is slowly built into an image on a layer-by-layer
basis. All 3-D printers also use 3-D CAD software
that measures thousands of cross-sections of each
product to determine exactly how each layer is to be
constructed. The 3-D machine dispenses a thin layer
of liquid resin and uses a computer-controlled ul-
traviolet laser to harden each layer in the specified
cross-section pattern. At the end of the process,
excess soft resin is cleaned away through use of a
chemical bath. 3-D printers can produce simple
objects, such as a gear , in less than 1 hour . They
Business Horizons (2012) 55, 155—162
Available online at www.sciencedirect.com
www .elsevier .com/locate/bushor
KEYWORDS
3-D printing;
Rapid prototyping;
Additive
manufacturing;
Rapid
 tooling;
Digital manufacturing;
Bridge manufacturing
Abstract This article examines the characteristics and applications of 3-D printing
and compares it with mass customization and other manufacturing processes. 3-D
printing enables small quantities of customized goods to be produced at relatively low
costs. While currently used primarily to manufacture prototypes and mockups, a
number of promising applications exist in the production of replacement parts, dental
crowns, and artificial limbs, as well as in bridge manufacturing. 3-D printing has been
compared to such disruptive technologies as digital books and music downloads that
enable consumers to order their selections online, allow firms to profitably serve small
market segments, and enable companies to operate with little or no unsold finished
goods inventory . Some experts have also argued that 3-D printing will significantly
reduce the advantages of producing small lot sizes in low-wage countries via reduced
need for factory workers. # 2011 Kelley School of Business, Indiana University .