Introducing a Holistic Profitability Model for Additive Manufacturing: An Analysis of Laser-powder Bed Fusion

Abstract

Nowadays, a highly volatile environment and the growing demand for customized products challenge manufacturing companies. Radically new technologies, such as Additive Manufacturing (AM) and Laser-Powder Bed Fusion (L-PBF), help companies to fulfill these needs. However, due to the novelty of these technologies, research on how to evaluate the inherent changes of Laser-Powder Bed Fusion compared to conventional manufacturing processes remains scarce. Current studies focus on either process or product innovations, not considering their respective interactions. This paper aims at developing an integrative profitability model for a holistic assessment of Laser-Powder Bed Fusion, including implications for the product architecture and customer revenue.