Additive Manufacturing for Remedying Supply Chain Disruptions and Building Resilient and Sustainable Logistics Support Systems

Abstract

Leading industries have implemented various strategic initiatives to enhance the resilience and sustainability of their logistics support systems in response to series of unforeseen disruptions that have significantly impacted supply chains (SCs) and incurred substantial costs over the past few decades. It is essential to assess whether incorporating additive manufacturing (AM) technologies into logistics support processes-either as a complementary solution or in conjunction with existing strategies-can effectively reduce vulnerabilities to disruptions in modern, complex SCs. AM technologies that enable the use of business models that use distributed manufacturing, as opposed to centralized manufacturing, have the potential to create significant change in traditional SCs by bringing parts and products closer to the customer. The supply of raw materials necessary for AM production is lower than that of traditional methods. While this provides a cost benefit in the current structure, there are still challenges, such as in testing and final adjustments of printing parameters. AM technologies enable shorter delivery times compared to traditional manufacturing methods while also reducing distribution costs. This not only enhances service levels, but also lowers inventory costs across all stages of the SC. Additionally, AM technologies can help businesses comply with increasingly stringent environmental regulations introduced in recent decades. Both AM-based production and the logistics processes that support it have smaller ecological footprints compared to traditional manufacturing, making it a more sustainable alternative.