Assessing the suitability of additive manufacturing technologies for spare part production

Implementing additive manufacturing (AM) in spare parts supply chains can reduce lead times, improve service levels and contribute to significant optimizations in safety stocks. Design methodologies such as topological optimization and generative design can leverage AM processes’ capabilities by optimizing parts for longevity, weight, functionality and serviceability. Despite the perceived advantages of AM, there are technological limitations that can influence the suitability of parts, which, given the relatively recency of AM, are still very prominent. Common limitations include dimensional capability, quality and material availability. These limitations can affect the suitability of theoretically viable parts and must be integrated into the decision-making process, both in the selection and in the design for AM phases. This paper studies the suitability of additive manufacturing processes using a case study. One part was identified based on current lead times, acquisition cost, demand pattern and supplier reliability. Later, the spare part requirements were evaluated against a backdrop of the technological capabilities of various additive manufacturing processes to study their suitability and the potential for design optimization within current technological limitations. The results show both the current capabilities of AM and highlight areas where these technologies fall short of their perceived potential.