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Implications of 3D Printing for the United States Postal Service

In: Postal and Delivery Innovation in the Digital Economy

Author

Listed:
  • Samuel T. Cutting

    (Christensen Associates)

  • Mark E. Meitzen

    (Christensen Associates)

  • Brad P. Wagner

    (Christensen Associates)

  • Christopher W. Backley

    (U.S. Postal Service Office of the Inspector General)

  • Charles L. Crum

    (U.S. Postal Service Office of the Inspector General)

  • Bryant Switzky

    (U.S. Postal Service Office of the Inspector General)

Abstract

3D printing refers to a set of technologies that builds physical objects from virtual representations. While approaches vary, these technologies process a digital model of an object into horizontal slices, like a loaf of bread standing on end. A 3D printer then iteratively prints each (nearly) two-dimensional slice, layer-by-layer, from the bottom up. By allowing physical objects to be created from virtual representations on demand, 3D printing could disrupt supply chains, warehousing, manufacturing, and the myriad industries that rely on them. These prognostications, however, assume technological advances and consumer acceptance not yet realized. It is not clear which businesses will have the problems and which will have the opportunities. The United States Postal Service® (USPS) stands to benefit from a major 3D disruption. The outcome for USPS depends upon the advancement of the technology, its adoption by consumers, and the strategies it takes to position itself to capture benefit or avoid injury. This paper provides a framework for considering potential outcomes for USPS should a 3D printing “revolution” occur.

Suggested Citation

  • Samuel T. Cutting & Mark E. Meitzen & Brad P. Wagner & Christopher W. Backley & Charles L. Crum & Bryant Switzky, 2015. "Implications of 3D Printing for the United States Postal Service," Topics in Regulatory Economics and Policy, in: Michael A. Crew & Timothy J. Brennan (ed.), Postal and Delivery Innovation in the Digital Economy, edition 127, pages 43-54, Springer.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:topchp:978-3-319-12874-0_4
    DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-12874-0_4
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