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Open-source, self-replicating 3-D printer factory for small-business manufacturing

The International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology volume 85, pages 633–642 (2016)Cite this article

Abstract

Additive manufacturing with 3-D printers may be a key technology enabler for entrepreneurs seeking to use disruptive innovations such as business models utilizing distributed manufacturing. Unlike centralized manufacturing, distributed manufacturing makes the parts and products (the prints) at (or closer to) the source of the demand, cutting out much of the traditional supply chain. Although many expect 3-D printing to take off at the household level and previous work has shown significant returns for those choosing to do so, there are still significant barriers to entry for typical consumers. Our analysis demonstrates that for an individual to make an abnormally high return on their investments in 3-D printers, they must serve others to achieve high utilization rates. The impetus to do so is created by a service that can undercut traditionally manufactured products due to affordability and customizability. Low-cost, open-source 3-D printers are now priced within range of individual entrepreneurs who can take advantage of the long tail of consumers with highly varied interests. The margin advantage, net present value, and return on investment (ROI) analysis provided herein could form the basis of thousands of new small-business ventures in the coming years.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Business and Economics, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI, USA

    Andre Laplume

  2. Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Michigan Technological University, 601 M&M Building, 1400 Townsend Drive, Houghton, MI, 49931-1295, USA

    Gerald C. Anzalone & Joshua M. Pearce

  3. Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI, USA

    Joshua M. Pearce

Authors
  1. Andre Laplume
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  2. Gerald C. Anzalone
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  3. Joshua M. Pearce
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Joshua M. Pearce.

Electronic supplementary material

Below is the link to the electronic supplementary material.

Appendix 1

Case 2. MOST Delta RepRap BOM and total cost table (XLS 18 kb)

Appendix 2

Case 3. Quad Delta RepRap MOST Delta RepRap BOM and total cost table (XLS 18 kb)

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Cite this article

Laplume, A., Anzalone, G.C. & Pearce, J.M. Open-source, self-replicating 3-D printer factory for small-business manufacturing. Int J Adv Manuf Technol 85, 633–642 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00170-015-7970-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00170-015-7970-9

Keywords

  • 3-D printing
  • RepRap
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Disruptive innovation
  • Distributed manufacturing
  • Business model

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