Abstract
Recently the home-use segment of medical devices has entered in the loop of Additive Manufacturing (AM) enabled optimizations, this includes CPAP masks, insulin delivery packs and diagnostic tools such as urine-flow meters. Here we analyze the supply chain provision of a specific uroflowmetry device which is originally designed in Europe, manufactured in Asia and which has a range of distribution channels across healthcare systems. This paper analyses the impact of various AM technologies that can enable near-patient manufacture of devices ondemand. Our analysis shows that the cost of design-changes (or product updates), when reflected on the overall lifecycle cost, can be comparable to producing the device locally with a different supply chain arrangement. Furthermore it is suggested that in order to fully exploit the capabilities afforded by AM, the original product’s design features must be modified so that built-times are reduced allowing a larger 3D printing-based production capacity.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | Solid Freeform Fabrication 2016: Proceedings of the 27th Annual International Solid Freeform Fabrication Symposium - An Additive Manufacturing Conference, SFF 2016 |
Publisher | University of Texas Press |
Pages | 1680-1686 |
Publication status | Published - 2016 |
Event | 27th Annual International Solid Freeform Fabrication Symposium - An Additive Manufacturing Conference, - AT and T Executive Education and Conference Center, Austin, United States Duration: 8 Aug 2016 → 10 Aug 2016 |
Conference
Conference | 27th Annual International Solid Freeform Fabrication Symposium - An Additive Manufacturing Conference, |
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Abbreviated title | SFF 2016 |
Country/Territory | United States |
City | Austin |
Period | 8/08/16 → 10/08/16 |