Scope:

Supply Chain Management

Theme:

Supply chains design and strategies in 3D manufacturing

Description:

3D is expected to be a disruptive technology in the future of manufacturing industry. Its characteristic of additive manufacturing has a direct impact on production inputs and outputs, and it allows to create products with complex design for which traditional technologies still have limits. However, the 3D production costs still remain high ​​and the use of this technology is considered beneficial only in sectors characterised by high value-added and highly customized products. 3D manufacturing also has a strong impact on supply chains as it transforms the physical supply chain into a digital supply chain and this transformation has positive effects on social and environmental sustainability (reduction of production waste, reduction of CO2 emissions, reduction of energy needed for production, etc.). Hence, the objective of the thesis is to understand the impact of 3D manufacturing on supply chains and understand how this technology would change supply chain strategies and design.