Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing: Costs Structures and Benefits (FutureLearn)

Discover the business benefits of metal additive manufacturing
When additive manufacturing is used in sync with other technologies within the process chain, the time and cost of product development can be significantly lessened.
On this course, you’ll learn how additive manufacturing parts are lighter by default, can be tailored for extraordinary performance and aesthetic appeal, and can be manufactured locally and on-demand.
You’ll explore how this impacts the cost structure of AM and how companies using AM also benefit from savings in storage space and added value from fast delivery times of their products.

Explore owning vs. subcontracting metal additive 3D printers
As you get to grips with the direct and indirect costs of additive manufacturing, you’ll consider the business costs of 3D printing and the benefits of owning a metal additive manufacturing printer in production compared to subcontracting one.
You’ll also learn how cost structure and supply chain in additive manufacturing differs from conventional production.

Understand the opportunities of digital manufacturing technology
Alongside experts at LUT University and EIT RawMaterials, you’ll develop your understanding of the economic feasibility and potential of additive manufacturing in business today.
By the end of the course, you’ll be well-versed in how additive manufacturing could benefit your company and the business implications of owning metal additive 3D printers.

What topics will you cover?

• Metal additive manufacturing methods and associated expenses
• Feasibility of owning a metal additive manufacturing printer in production vs. subcontracting
• Direct and indirect costs of additive manufacturing
• Economic feasibility of additive manufacturing and opportunities for digitalisation of manufacturing

What will you achieve?
By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

• Assess the economic implications of 3D printing
• Evaluate the possibilities of additive manufacturing and its impact on start-ups
• Describe how cost structure and supply chain in additive manufacturing differ from those of conventional production
• Explain different ways to gain competitive advantage with additive manufacturing

Who is the course for?
This course is designed for decision-makers, designers, engineers, educators and business professionals who wish to expand their knowledge about the applications of additive manufacturing and the business implications and benefits of metal 3D printers.