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3D Printing as Driver of Localized Manufacturing: Expected Benefits from Producer and Consumer Perspectives

In: The Decentralized and Networked Future of Value Creation

Author

Listed:
  • Christoph Ihl

    (Hamburg University of Technology)

  • Frank Piller

    (RWTH Aachen University)

Abstract

Ihl and Piller address the promise of 3D printing technologies to re-localize production in closer proximity to markets and end customers by exploring microeconomic benefits for producers and consumers. These technologies give rise to new possibilities at the intersection of production and consumption and fuel recent trends like mass customization and the maker movement. Building upon these premises, the authors propose the concept of “FabStores”, i.e. decentralized, close-to-market mini-factories that allow interaction with customers during localized manufacturing processes. The concept is validated in terms of expected benefits from producer and consumer perspectives by the means of a survey of 39 experts in production management, as well as 788 consumers. Results show that, from a producer perspective, the availability of 3D printing technologies alone will only have limited impact on the localization of manufacturing next to other, more important drivers. From a consumer perspective, “FabStores” are valuable if they can offer higher sustainability, participation in production and shorter delivery times. Finally, “FabStores” may compensate for a lack of brand reputation and thus offer new opportunities for user and maker entrepreneurship.

Suggested Citation

  • Christoph Ihl & Frank Piller, 2016. "3D Printing as Driver of Localized Manufacturing: Expected Benefits from Producer and Consumer Perspectives," Progress in IS, in: Jan-Peter Ferdinand & Ulrich Petschow & Sascha Dickel (ed.), The Decentralized and Networked Future of Value Creation, pages 179-204, Springer.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:prochp:978-3-319-31686-4_10
    DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-31686-4_10
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