دانلود رایگان مقاله انگلیسی ساخت و تولید افزایشی در بخش مبلمان چوبی: پایداری تکنولوژی، مزایا و محدودیت های انطباق - امرالد 2017

Abstract

Purpose – In the world economy there is the emergence of advanced manufacturing technologies that are enabling more cost and resource-efficient small-scale production. Among them, additive manufacturing, commonly known as 3D printing, is leading companies to rethink where and how they conduct their manufacturing activities. The purpose of this paper is to focus in the Italian wood-furniture industry to understand if the companies in this sector are investing in additive manufacturing techniques, to remain competitive in their reference markets. The research also attempts to investigate the potential sustainable benefits and limitations to the implementation of 3D printing in this specific sector, considering the companies that have already implemented this technology. Design/methodology/approach – Data were collected using a structured questionnaire survey performed on a sample of 234 Italian companies in this sector; 76 companies claimed to use 3D printing in their production system. The questionnaire was distributed via computer-assisted web interviewing and it consisted of four sections. Findings – The research has highlighted how Italian 3D companies have a specific profile; they are companies aimed at innovating through the search for new products and product features, putting design and Made in Italy in the first place. They pay high attention to the image they communicate to the market and are highly oriented to the final customer, and to the satisfaction of its needs. Originality/value – The study is attempting to expand a recent and unexplored research line on the possible advantages and disadvantages of the implementation of emerging production technologies such as 3D printing.

5. Conclusions

This paper has evaluated the main advantages and disadvantages that AM technologies can bring to companies, considering those that are implementing them in the specific industry of wood-furniture. The research has highlighted how Italian 3D companies in the wood-furniture industry have a specific profile; they are companies aimed at innovating through the search for new products and product features, putting design and Made in Italy in the first place. They pay high attention to the image they convey to the market and are highly oriented to the final customer, and to the satisfaction of their needs. Vickery et al. (1997) defined four dimensions of manufacturing strength in the furniture industry: innovation, delivery, flexibility, and value, with the latter encompassing the combined effects of quality and cost. The study confirms that Italian businesses have a great tradition in this sector and also a strong ability to innovate, from an environmental and technological point of view. Wood-furniture companies have already begun the transition of their production systems from the paradigms of the linear economy to that one of the sustainable and circular economy, and are increasingly opening up to new production technologies (GreenItaly, 2016).

Reduction in time to market of products and the freedom of design seem to be the two major advantages perceived by companies implementing AM technologies. Due to 3D printing these companies are free to explore their imagination, which bring in a shorter time on the market products with complex shapes and high quality.