Could airports be the next hubs for disruptive 3D printing? | Air Cargo World
Air Cargo World
Subscribe
  • News
  • Data & Tools
  • Events
    • Cargo Airport Growth Summit
    • Cargo Facts Symposium
    • Cargo Facts EMEA
    • Cargo Facts Asia
  • Multimedia
  • Podcast
  • Magazine
  • Features
Monday, March 8, 2021
Log In
No Result
View All Result
  • Airports
  • Carriers
  • COVID-19 Vaccine Logistics
  • E-Commerce
  • Freight Forwarders
  • Technology
Air Cargo World
  • News
  • Data & Tools
  • Events
    • Cargo Airport Growth Summit
    • Cargo Facts Symposium
    • Cargo Facts EMEA
    • Cargo Facts Asia
  • Multimedia
  • Podcast
  • Magazine
  • Features
Log In
No Result
View All Result
Air Cargo World
No Result
View All Result

Could airports be the next hubs for disruptive 3D printing? 

Cathy Roberson by Cathy Roberson
November 7, 2019
in News
Reading Time: 4min read
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on Pinterest

Is manufacturing really slowing down or is it undergoing a transformation that can not yet be measured by traditional means? Robotics, drones, augmented reality and other technologies are transforming manufacturing in such a way not seen since the Industrial Revolution. But, in my opinion, one of the most disruptive forces is 3D printing. Not only could it disrupt the actual manufacturing process, but also manufacturing’s supply chain requirements with respect to inventory and transportation.  

3D printing hubs, if strategically located, could speed up delivery times and improve efficiencies while bypassing various political risks and trade barriers. Some stakeholders are already experimenting with the use of this technology, and airports may present an attractive hub for the technology given their position and connectivity to various supply chains. 

Many manufacturers including Ford, Fiat Chrysler, Boeing and Airbus have embraced 3D printing for years, often printing prototypes and hard to locate parts. Logistics and transportation providers including DB Schenker and UPS have also embraced 3D printing with DB Schenker, for example, offering customers the ability to upload their 3D templates, choose the material and color, view prices, order printing and arrange delivery. DB Schenker utilizes a partner network of startups and established firms for 3D printing and then DB Schenker delivers the items.  

In a similar move, UPS created a 3D printing service bureau at its UPS Supply Chain Solutions facility in Louisville, Kentucky. In partnership with manufacturer Fast Radius, UPS prints and ship orders overnight, depending on the size and production run.  

Airports also seem a likely benefactor of 3D printing and indeed, Pittsburgh International Airport recently (PIT) announced its Neighborhood 91 concept, “the world’s first development to condense and connect all components of the additive manufacturing/3D printing supply chain into one powerful production neighborhood concept.”   

The Pittsburgh facility will house a complete end-to-end ecosystem offering powder, parts, post-production, testing and analysis, as well as communal powder storage facilities. This ecosystem will include benefits such as: 

  • Efficiencies in production/post-production and delivery; 
  • Reduced transportation costs; 
  • Airport access; and 
  • Access to argon, helium and other noble gases, which are essential elements of additive manufacturing, reaching up to 60% of additive manufacturing costs. 

Officials at the airport estimate that manufacturing lead times will shrink by 80% and transportation costs will shrink by even more as a result, according to the airport. Not to mention reducing inventory costs as well. 

As 3D printing matures, airports could in fact hasten the end of global trade and lead the charge for regional supply chains by implementing 3D–printing hubs. While ports initially led the 3D printing charge, at best, they could perhaps offer ‘floating manufacturing facilities’ by installing 3D printers on ships to produce goods enroute to destinations. But why bother when this can be done closer to customers, i.e., airports? Imagine no customs costs, better management of parts and faster delivery times. 

Previous Post

Lufthansa Cargo accelerates fleet renewal, to add more 777Fs

Next Post

Revenue and cargo down, net profit up in Emirates’ half-year earnings report

Related Posts

Cathay Pacific reinstates top cargo-dedicated role
Freight Forwarders

Listen: Airfreight rate volatility likely to linger

March 5, 2021
AIT Worldwide leverages European acquisition for trans-Atlantic air consolidation
Freight Forwarders

AIT Worldwide leverages European acquisition for trans-Atlantic air consolidation

March 5, 2021
Lufthansa Cargo revenue contribution leaps ahead with record result
Carriers

Lufthansa Cargo revenue contribution leaps ahead with record result

March 4, 2021
Next Post
Revenue and cargo down, net profit up in Emirates’ half-year earnings report

Revenue and cargo down, net profit up in Emirates’ half-year earnings report

By subscribing you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Current Issue Magazine Cover

FROM OUR CONTRIBUTORS

Automotive industry transformation and tariffs have long-term implications for airfreight

Consultant Insight: Brighter days may be ahead for automotive supply chain

February 26, 2021
UN recruits 40 airlines to deliver vaccine to poorest states

Air cargo expectations adjust to vaccine shipment requirements

February 23, 2021
Delta to launch BOM-JFK 777 service beginning Dec. 22

Consultant Insight: Post-pandemic airline survival depends on transformation

February 19, 2021

SPONSORED

Apex reduces retailer lead times and costs—increasing air charters by 225%

Apex reduces retailer lead times and costs, increasing air charters by 225%

January 29, 2021
Delta Cargo introduces priority COVID-19 vaccine handling

Delta Cargo introduces priority COVID-19 vaccine handling

December 31, 2020
Executive Q&A with Manu Jacobs, Director of Specialty Products, United Cargo

Executive Q&A with Manu Jacobs, Director of Specialty Products, United Cargo

December 17, 2020
  • About Us
  • Help Center
  • Privacy Terms
  • ADA Compliance
  • Advertise

Follow Us

twitter twitter linkedin podcast

© 2021 Royal Media & Air Cargo World

No Result
View All Result
  • News
    • All News
    • Airports
    • Carriers
    • COVID-19 Vaccine Logistics
    • E-Commerce
    • Freight Forwarders
    • Technology
  • Data & Tools
  • Events
    • Cargo Airport Growth Summit
    • Cargo Facts Symposium
    • Cargo Facts EMEA
    • Cargo Facts Asia
  • Multimedia
  • Podcast
  • Magazine
  • Features
  • Subscribe
  • Log In / Account

© 2021 Royal Media & Air Cargo World

Go to mobile version