
From spare parts for old machinery to extending the life and supporting warranties on discontinued electronics, the need for maintaining and repairing aging equipment is becoming a hot topic, not only from a financial point of view, but also from its impact on achieving sustainability goals.
However these objectives often hit a roadblock when critical components are no longer available, or are no longer viable, either to make using the original process or economic to hold on warehouse shelves. It’s a challenge for industries across the board, from manufacturing and aerospace to healthcare and automotive.
Enter digital warehousing, a concept that leverages 3D printing technology to help address the issue of obsolete parts. The concept is simple. Instead of physically stockpiling vast quantities of every conceivable part, companies can store digital blueprints of these components within a “virtual warehouse”. When needed, these digital files can be instantly accessed and used to 3D print the part on demand, eliminating the need for costly inventory and reducing the risk of stockouts.
How 3D Printing Enables On-Demand Solutions
MJF and SLS TPU printing now offer significantly higher quality part production than basic at-home 3D printing. This advanced capability expands the potential use of production 3d printing beyond hobbyist projects to include the production of high-quality parts that meet strict specifications.
Professional 3d print on-demand services such as those offered by Midlands 3D deliver on a number of fronts:
- Speed of Manufacturing:
- 3D printing offers unparalleled speed in manufacturing replacement parts. Gone are the days of long lead times and supply chain delays. With 3D printing, parts can be produced quickly and efficiently, minimizing downtime and ensuring rapid repairs.
- Commercial Savings:
- Reduced Inventory Costs: By eliminating the need to stock large inventories of obsolete parts, as well as likely the moulds and jigs required to make them, companies can significantly reduce storage costs and free up valuable warehouse space.
- Lower Transportation Costs: 3D printing allows for localised production, minimising the need for long-distance transportation and reducing associated costs such as import or exports tariffs.
- Increased Efficiency: On-demand manufacturing streamlines the repair process, improving overall efficiency and reducing operational costs.
- Environmental Impact:
- Reduced Waste: 3D printing minimises material waste by producing only the necessary amount of material, reducing the environmental impact of traditional manufacturing processes. Indeed, the production method for the original part maybe only be possible at volume, removing the need for unnecessary overruns.
- Reduced Carbon Footprint: Localised production reduces the need for long-distance transportation, significantly lowering carbon emissions.
Direct Shipping to the Consumer
Combining digital warehousing with on-demand 3D printing also empowers businesses to offer direct shipping of replacement parts to consumers. This eliminates the need for intermediaries, reduces delivery times, and provides greater control over the entire supply chain.
The Future of Spare Parts
Digital warehousing and 3D printing revolutionises the way we can think about spare parts, and the challenges the represent. By embracing this technology, businesses can enhance their agility, improve customer satisfaction, and contribute to a more sustainable future.
Five Global Brands that have Adopted Digital Warehousing
Far from being a conceptual idea, numerous brands across many industries have already embraced digital warehousing at scale, in some cases as long as five or six years ago. Here are five such examples:
1. Miele
This home appliance manufacturer partnered with Replique to create “3D4U,” a service that allows customers to order 3D-printed spare parts and accessories. Replique’s digital warehouse stores the necessary 3D models, enabling on-demand production and local delivery.
2. Shell
The oil and gas giant is developing a digital warehouse to store the information needed to 3D print critical components. This strategy aims to reduce reliance on physical inventory, improve supply chain resilience, and minimize environmental impact.
3. Daimler Buses
Back in 2019, Daimler established a digital warehouse containing 3D models of nearly 1,300 spare parts. This enables them to quickly provide replacement parts to customers and service partners worldwide.
4. Gerhard Schubert
Gerhard Schubert, a packaging machine producer, partnered with a 3D print manufacturer to create a digital warehouse for spare parts. Schubert’s customers can now access this inventory and 3D print components on-demand, reducing lead times and improving operational efficiency.
5. Deutsche Bahn
The German railway company partnered with EOS and Hasenauer & Hesser to digitalise customised components for their trains. These digital files are stored in a warehouse, allowing Deutsche Bahn to order replacement parts with significantly shorter lead times.
How can Midlands 3D Help?
Midlands 3D can help you make the transition to digital warehousing in a three stage process.
Stage One: Assessment
We’ll help you identify good candidates for parts and products that can be 3D printed. Where needed, our designers can advise on any modifications required to ensure a 3d printed part will still meet the same functional specifications as the original.
Stage Two: Scanning and Reverse Engineering
When original CAD files are not available, our team can 3D scan original parts, moulds and jigs, reverse engineering any aspects required to produce print ready files and finishing instructions, ready to add to your Digital Warehouse.
Stage Three: Print and Fulfilment
Midlands 3D can handle the production and fulfilment of our finished parts, whether direct to customer or to your own locations and service teams.