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Digital Transformation and the Evolution of the Additive Manufacturing Business

In: Adopting and Adapting Innovation in Japan's Digital Transformation

Author

Listed:
  • Yukako Harata

    (Nagoya Institute of Technology)

  • Nobutaka Odake

    (Humanware Network Initiative)

Abstract

In this chapter, we focus on the players in the AM industry, one of the key technologies for DX, who are developing their service businesses, and identifies their roles and functions in the AM ecosystem through case studies. AM is attracting attention as one of the key technologies to realize digital manufacturing. Metal AM is shifting from prototype applications to product applications, and is increasingly being applied to high value-added products. Service bureaus that engage in contract processing utilize the strengths and networks of each company to provide solution services, including pre- and post-process support for the processing process. The highly specialized service bureaus have established a service structure that crosses the technologies of each specialist, such as machines, powder materials, and the fabrication processes. On the other hand, software companies are also selling machines and creating business models based on their own software platforms. In this rapidly changing market, it is suggested that not only service bureaus specializing in contract processing, but also solution providers who intervene from the stage of showing issues that can be approached by AM will play a keystone role that surpasses that of service bureaus. In addition to the efforts of these companies, there is also a movement toward public–private consortiums to promote the use of AM. The AM ecosystem has been led by AM suppliers represented by machine manufacturers, but in Japan, AM users are not only accumulating know-how and improving their technological capabilities, but also organically connecting with other companies to ensure openness and growth. This is expected to lead to market growth and the reorganization and sharing of upstream/downstream know-how and knowledge fixed at each layer. AM and the cloud manufacturing mechanism will enable DX that can be provided anywhere in the world at short delivery times without incurring logistics costs.

Suggested Citation

  • Yukako Harata & Nobutaka Odake, 2023. "Digital Transformation and the Evolution of the Additive Manufacturing Business," Economics, Law, and Institutions in Asia Pacific, in: Anshuman Khare & William W. Baber (ed.), Adopting and Adapting Innovation in Japan's Digital Transformation, chapter 0, pages 125-136, Springer.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:eclchp:978-981-99-0321-4_8
    DOI: 10.1007/978-981-99-0321-4_8
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