Recently, a report published by the Journal of Engineering and Manufacturing Technology Management shows that the online 3D printing platform has become a new driving force for the development of the industry, which can turn anyone into an industry innovator. The report makes it clear that companies must build advanced interactive platforms that engage end users in the design process. (Editor) AUTRENDS INTERNATIONAL LIMITED , https://www.petspetsdoggze.com
3D printing has begun to change the world, and its potential has not yet been fully developed. Although new technological breakthroughs are reported every day, these are just the tip of the iceberg of 3D printing technology.
Open source platforms can change everything Online platforms and technology openness are important for promoting and demonstrating technology. Anyone who has a 3D printer and has some imagination can communicate with 3D printing enthusiasts around the world through an online platform to solve problems together. The existence of a 3D printing platform also makes mass customization possible. What is certain is that some online platforms provide great help for custom products. Customization here refers not only to color and size, but to what the user really wants.
The new supply chain connects the suppliers and customers through an online platform that will revolutionize the traditional supply approach. A good company that has made a transformation in this area can achieve great success. Through voluntary or paid cooperation, rather than competition, it can better stimulate design potential. Through the online platform, an average consumer can also participate in every step of the production process, participating in every cycle from concept design to finished product completion. This makes consumers a commodity designer, tester and evaluator at the same time, and the impact on manufacturers can be imagined.
The development of the platform is at an early stage. Of course, some people must lead the development direction. It is understood that the earliest in 2007, Ponoko online 3D printing platform was established, and now the emergence of online platforms such as Shapeways, 3DCreationLab, Sculpteo and Thingiverse, make users participate in the production process to a certain extent. In fact, there are only a handful of platforms that enable users to collaborate with manufacturers and participate in production design and manufacturing. The goal of most platforms is personal 3D printing enthusiasts, who mainly want to protect their design copyright through the website. If the platform can be upgraded in the future and really bring users into the design process, its potential will be unlimited.
“Assembled furniture†is just the beginning. The cooperation between the merchant and the consumer can be done very simply: the company provides the user with a design solution, and the user can print it at home. This is a reason to buy home furniture now. However, that does not promote innovation. We want to not share the final product, but have the right to decide on the design of the product.
Even now, technically, companies are able to engage consumers in the design process, but only in exceptional circumstances can achieve specific results. Companies must establish a suitable interactive platform to enhance this level of cooperation and make it truly influential.
At the same time, companies should promote and actively respond to cooperation with consumers, so that 3D print people from all over the world can participate, so that everyone can play the role of designers, R & D engineers. Establishing the right platform for consumers to participate in the final design will become a very strong incentive mechanism for innovation.