PL_2. The 3D Printing Industry

3D printing is...

• a process that only creates two-dimensional images.
• a method for printing on paper using ink.
• a technique for creating virtual reality environments.
• an additive manufacturing process

Selective laser sintering (SLS) involves...

• the use of lasers to fuse powdered material together

• a process for cutting materials with a laser
• a technique for molding plastics using heat
• a method for cooling metals quickly

Rapid prototyping is...

• a method for quickly creating prototypes to test and refine concepts.
• a technique for slowly developing final products.
• a process for analyzing market trends.
• a strategy for long-term project planning.

With 3D printing, you can go from digital design to prototype within hours, which...

• accelerates the product development cycle

• limits creativity in design.
• requires expensive materials.
• slows down the design process.

Which of the following is generally true when it comes to local manufacturing?

• Local manufacturing may decrease options for materials

• Local manufacturing is never environmentally friendly.

• Local manufacturing increases delivery times significantly.

• Local manufacturing results in lower quality products.

A digital warehouse refers to

• A type of software for data analysis.
• A temporary storage for physical goods.
• A method for data encryption to prevent cyber attacks.

• an online library of product ‘blueprints’ that allows manufacturing to occur on-demand

Which of the following is a big challenge for on-demand manufacturing?

• meeting the lead times expected of modern day consumers

• Excessive inventory management
• Limited customization options
• High production costs

3D printing excels in...

• mass production of identical items
• customization and complex geometries such as those to fit on a person directly

• simple 2D designs
• low-cost manufacturing of large batches

Using 3D printing to consolidate parts...

• increases the number of parts needed

• 3D printing is only useful for prototyping, not production.
• makes it much easier to assemble and disassemble products

• complicates assembly

As 3D printers become more accessible and affordable,...

• more product startups will form, which will result in more innovations coming to market

• they will only be used for decorative purposes.

• they will increase production costs significantly.

• they will eliminate the need for skilled labor entirely.