LITERATURE REVIEW ON A BUSINESS INNOVATION - Essay Example

? LITERATURE REVIEW ON A BUSINESS INNOVATION Executive Summary 3D printing is one of the most celebrated business innovations that influence diverse manufacturing and production industries. This innovation accommodates the process of making a three-dimensional solid product of any shape using a digital model. The 3D printing innovation underwent a long evolution that depicts great development in terms of affordability, usability, and efficiency in its numerous applications. The MIT and ZS Corporation made significant contributions to the introduction and development of the 3D printing innovation. 3D printing is a versatile yet short process that has great significance in digital economies that can change the world. It relates to the Rogers’s Diffusion of Innovation Theory. However, despite its significance and numerous applications, people are still considering various aspects before adopting 3D printing in their manufacturing companies. Nevertheless, 3D printing remains to be a fundamental aspect in the business world. Introduction 3D printing is one of the most celebrated business innovations that continue to influence the manufacturing and production industry. Also known as additive manufacturing, 3D printing is business and technological innovation that encompasses the process of making a three-dimensional solid product of any shape using a digital model (3Ders.org 2013, p. 1). Indeed, 3D printing is a huge versatile and rapid process that accommodates geometry of varying complexity in variant applications, and supporting many types of materials (Z Corporation 2005, p. 2). The 3D printers operate at resounding speeds, extremely low costs, and within a wide range of applications (Z Corporation 2005, p. 2). The 3D printing innovation applies in the commercial sector where manufactures use it to produce early concept models and product prototypes for business purposes (Z Corporation 2005, p. 2). The 3D printing case is relevant in the context of digital economies since it allows for the production of early concept models and product prototypes. Moreover, 3D printing applies in distributed manufacturing where it has applications in various fields including health, fashion, architecture, education, engineering, and aerospace among other fields. Additionally, products manufactured through 3D printing are applicable anywhere in the product life cycle. To achieve 3D printing, innovators used an additive process, where successive layers of material adopt different shapes. The 3D printing innovation, which uses additive processes, is completely different from the traditional machining processes, which used subtractive processes to remove materials in the manufacturing process. Indeed, 3D printing uses digital technology where it uses standard inkjet printing technology to create parts layer-by-layer by depositing a liquid binder onto thin layers of powder (Z Corporation 2005, p. 3). Then it moves the print heads over a bed of powder where it prints the cross-sectional data sent from .stl, .wrl, .ply, and .sfx files through a feed piston and platform (Z Corporation 2005, p. 2). Notably, the cross sectional layers join automatically to produce the final shape. The 3D printing offers improved visualization, greater automation, and more cost-effective reuse of 3D data (Z Corporation 2005, p. 2). Subject to its numerous applications, ability to produce objects of any shape or geometric feature, its effectiveness, and its low costs of production, 3D printing stands out as a successful business innovation using digital solutions. Indeed, through the 3D printing innovation, we can manufacture products locally (D'Aveni 2013, p. 1) and close to their point of purchase or consumption through a cheaper and faster process. Subject to its significance and effectiveness, the demand for 3D printers is on an increasing trend in the modern times. In this report, I will include the conceptual framework of this case using relevant theories. I will then present my findings and analyze the case. Conceptual Framework This is a theoretical perspective on the case of 3D printing as a business innovation. In my report, I will focus on the aspect of the evolution of 3D Printing. The evolution of the 3D printing business innovation will address the origin, development, and the status of this business innovation with respect to time and features. Indeed, the report will explore the new features that marked the evolution of the business innovation. This aspect is relevant to the understanding and to the relevance of the case since it shows how 3D printing developed with time, shows the digital and technological features that characterize the modern 3D printing technology, and suggests the future of this innovation. This will give us background information about this case. I will also focus on the aspect of how the 3D printing works. The mode of operation of this innovation is a complex technological issue that a nonprofessional cannot understand. An exploration on how this technology works will relevantly help the audience to relate with the innovation and understand its dynamics and applications in the modern society. Indeed, this aspect is relevant to the case as it will help us to understand how the innovation operates and possibly derive enough knowledge that will help us to use it in our daily lives. Such an understanding will help us to derive the merits and demerits of the 3D printing technology. Consequently, I will focus on the aspect of how the 3-D Printing will change the world. The aim of any business innovation is to change how things are done in the business, manufacturing, production, or marketing world. The 3D printing technology seeks to change the mode of operations in the manufacturing industry. An understanding on how the innovation will change the world will help us to establish its significance in the industry. Ultimately, I will consider the aspect of the effectiveness of the 3D printing innovation in the manufacturing industry. An understanding on the effectiveness of this innovation will help us to establish if the innovation is making the manufacturing process cheaper, faster, and easier. Such an understanding will help us to derive the significance, relevance, and the future use and development of the 3D printing innovation. Moreover, I will discuss the aspects of rules and regulations that govern the application of 3D printing in the findings and analysis. They are relevant to the case as they define the terms and conditions of application. To this effect, I will adopt the Rogers’s Diffusion of Innovation Theory as a formal theoretical perspective to explain the innovation processes and success. This theory explains how, over time, an idea or product gains momentum and diffuses through a specific population or social system to allow people adopt the new idea or product (Orr 2003, p. 1). As such, this theory will be relevant for the particular understanding of this case, as it will help us to establish the success and sustainability of the 3D printing technology by ascertaining the adoption of this business innovation in the society over time though a process that includes knowledge, persuasion, decision, implementation, and confirmation (Orr 2003, p. 1). Findings and Analysis The aspect of the evolution of 3D Printing defines the origin, background information, history, and development of 3D printing technology. Notably, visionaries at MIT conceived and developed the fastest and most affordable on-demand prototyping in 1993 (Z Corporation 2009, p. 3). However, the founding of the Z Corporation in 1994 by some of these same visionaries led to the easier access of this innovation to every designer or engineer (Z Corporation 2009, p. 3). The Z Corporation sought to develop the 3D printing to document printers that will deliver speed, affordability, accuracy, color, and usability. Notably, the Z Corporation introduced the First Generation of 3D printing in 1996, which redefined speed, and affordability in rapid prototyping (Z Corporation 2009, p. 3). Moreover, the 3D printing evolved to a more vivid and multi-color model through the introduction of the Z402c and Z406 versions (Z Corporation 2009, p. 3). This enhanced the effectiveness of the 3D innovation. The Z Corporation introduced the Second Generation of 3D printing in 2003 with resounding speed, ease of use, and increased affordability (Z Corporation 2009, p. 3). Additionally, the Z™510 redefined 3D printing with a new generation of high-resolution printing and vivid color in 2005 (Z Corporation 2009, p. 3). This had the effect of improving the performance, affordability, and color of 3D printing technology. The ZPrinter 450 introduced the Third Generation 3D printing in 2007 (Z Corporation 2009, p. 3). This generation aimed at easing the use and office compatibility of the 3D printing. This generation improved the convenience, automation, and office usability of the 3D printing technology. In 2008, ZPrinter 650 introduced a bigger and high performing 3D printing while in 2009 the ZPrinter 350 introduced a more affordable 3D printing technology (Z Corporation 2009, p. 3). The latest versions of 3D printing enhance the affordability, accessibility, and operation ability of the 3D printing innovation. As such, the evolution of the 3D printing entails advanced usability, affordability, accessibility, and efficiency (Bogue 2013, p. 307-311). It is challenging to understand how the 3D printing works. However, it is clear that this innovation seeks to transform an idea into a physical object of any geometrical dimensions. The 3D printing innovation relies on 3D CAD software like solid works, which export 3D models in form of standard file formats for 3D printing (Z Corporation 2009, p. 4). These files are in a printable format and may include stl, .wrl (vrMl), .PlY, .3Ds, and .ZPr files (Z Corporation 2009, p. 4). With these files, we can launch ZPrint™ software in a pc where the ZPrint will slice the 3D model file into numerous digital cross-sections, or layers (Z Corporation 2009, p. 4). The slices correspond to layers of the model for fabrication in the ZPrinter. Then the ZPrinter prints each layer, one atop another in the machining process (Z Corporation 2009, p. 4). Ultimately, a short drying cycle follows and we can now remove the physical object. Although this process is somehow complicated, it is efficient since it is quick and accommodates the production of objects in virtually all geometrical shapes. Subject to its applications, 3D printing has the potential to change the world in various dimensions. Notably, this innovation is seemingly futuristic and thus derives long-term effects. The 3D technology changes the manufacturing process by forming objects using plastic resin layers instead of the traditional spraying toner on paper to produce certain objects (D'Aveni 2013, p. 1). Moreover, it enables the production of objects of any shape at the required time and in large quantities. Specifically, it uses molten plastic to produce physical objects of all, accurate, and highly intricate designs (D'Aveni 2013, p. 1). It will also allow for the manufacture of goods at the local level thus reducing the production costs associated with importing raw materials or finished products. Indeed, the 3D printing will foster local production and eliminate the shipping costs in case of imports. The 3D printing will also enhance the production of more customized products as the manufacturers will only tweak the instructions in the software (D'Aveni 2013, p. 1). It will also enhance quick production as the design changes will involve less steps and the development and retooling process is considerably shorter (Burg 2013, p. 1). Furthermore, this technology will eliminate the supply chain between businesses and manufacturers. As a result, these implications will force businesses that rely on supply, manufacturing, and retailing chains to restrategize its mode of operations (D'Aveni 2013, p. 1). This technology affects almost all industries and hence has the potential to change the world. As a result, we are bound to experience changes in the fashion, architecture, and engineering among other industries courtesy of 3D printing applications. Most assuredly, 3D printing allows manufacturers to exercise their creativity, which would consequently change different aspects in the world (D'Aveni 2013, p. 1). As such, we can analyze the effectiveness of the 3D printing technology in the manufacturing industry. Notably, the technology evolved rapidly in the recent years to accommodate the manufacture of a wide range of objects. Indeed, the technology allows for the production of physical objects in all shapes. The innovation is equally applicable in rapid prototyping and in all manner of manufacturing applications in a diversity of industries (Bogue 2013, p. 307-311). As such, 3D printing plays an effective role in changing the way we develop and produce specific products (Bogue 2013, p. 307-311). In fact, 3D printing ensures the production of objects with an improved surface finish and produces fully functional objects directly from CAD files. Similarly, the innovation supports easier, cheaper, and quicker production of physical objects since it has few production steps and favors local production. Nevertheless, the adoption of 3D printing in the business world is subject to many considerations as depicted in the Rogers’s Diffusion of Innovation Theory. Indeed, people are still analyzing the merits and demerits of 3D printing before adopting this innovation. This is despite the fact that we need this technology in the industry. The limitations to full adoption of 3D printing may include the need to improve the 3D CAD software, the need to take the printed parts for post processing, and inaccuracy in the product parts (Thilmany 2009, p.36-40). However, some companies have developed business plans on how to adopt 3D printing for commercial purposes. These companies manifest the idea that 3D printing is a fundamental part in the business world (Thilmany 2009, p.36-40). Bibliography 3Ders.org 2013, ‘3D Printing Basics,’ retrieved 7 November 2013, Bogue, R. 2013, "3D printing: the dawn of a new era in manufacturing?” Assembly Automation, vol. 33, no. 4, pp. 307-311. Burg, N 2013, ‘Why 3D Printing Will Change How Businesses Deliver,’ retrieved 7 November 2013, < http://www.forbes.com/sites/ups/2013/09/24/why-3d-printing-will-change-how-businesses-deliver/> D'Aveni, R 2013, ‘3-D Printing Will Change the World,’ retrieved 7 November 2013, Orr, G 2003, ‘Diffusion of Innovations, by Everett Rogers (1995),’ retrieved 7 November 2013, < http://www.stanford.edu/class/symbsys205/Diffusion%20of%20Innovations.htm> Thilmany, J. 2009, "a new kind of design,” Mechanical Engineering, vol. 131, no. 1, pp. 36-40. Z Corporation 2005, ‘Z Corporation 3D Printing Technology,’ retrieved 7 November 2013, Z Corporation 2009, ‘How 3D Printing works,’ retrieved 7 November 2013, Read More