Equivalent manufacturing
However , bridge manufacturing can meet all requirements and specifications of the ‘ original ’ part . In this case , bridge manufacturing might be more expensive in a regular supply chain situation , making it inappropriate for standard production , but it might have certain advantages when other constraints occur . For example , a polymer part could be manufactured at low cost per part in large quantities in a central location .
In the event of a global supply chain disruption and the part is needed overseas , this can be bridged by localized 3D printing close to where it ’ s needed in the required ( probably low ) quantity . If the manufacturing alternative was set up conforming to specifications , a part produced correspondingly might last as long as an ‘ original ’, eliminating the need to parallel order the ‘ original ’ spare part .
Ramp-up / phase-out bridging
Change in demand over a product ’ s lifecycle can vary drastically and upon launch , it ’ s hard to forecast future demand . It could boom or stay at moderate volume . For small and mid-volume series , additive manufacturing is an attractive option throughout the whole lifecycle .
If product demand rises quickly , manufacturing methods like injection molding are best from a price-perpart standpoint . Once manufacturing alternatives are in place , bridge manufacturing enables companies to switch as needed to optimize manufacturing costs .
3D printing is often favorable upon a product ’ s launch when only small quantities are needed , but when demand increases the OEM would benefit from another manufacturing method . Towards the end of the lifecycle , when demand decreases , the OEM can easily switch back to 3D printing .
With bridge manufacturing , it is important the technology does not need significant ramp-up time , is flexible insofar as quantities and is location-independent .
26