3.2. Medium production run applications
of 3-D printing
3-D printing is also used in bridge manufacturing,
‘bridging’ the time span from when a part design is
complete and when the part is ready for mass
production. Bridge manufacturing using 3-D printing
is commonly employed when tooling operations are
complex, costly , and time consuming. It is also
necessary if a firm needs to secure several thousand
parts prior to molds being generated. Caterpillar has
used bridge manufacturing to make a new oil-filter
assembly (Sherman, 2009). The firm has also used
160 B.