Could airports be the next hubs for disruptive 3D printing? | Air Cargo World
Air Cargo World

No products in the cart.

Subscribe
  • News
  • Data & Tools
  • Events
    • Air Cargo Tech Summit
    • 2022 Webinar Series
    • Past Webinars
  • Podcasts
  • Magazine
  • Archives
Thursday, May 19, 2022
Log In
No Result
View All Results
  • Airports
  • Carriers
  • E-Commerce
  • Express
  • Freight Forwarders
  • Technology
Air Cargo World
  • News
  • Data & Tools
  • Events
    • Air Cargo Tech Summit
    • 2022 Webinar Series
    • Past Webinars
  • Podcasts
  • Magazine
  • Archives
Log In
No Result
View All Results
Air Cargo World
No Result
View All Results

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

Cathy Roberson by Cathy Roberson
November 7, 2019
in News
Reading Time: 4 mins read
0
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on LinkedIn

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

Antonov Airlines looks to establish Leipzig as operational base
Carriers

Antonov Airlines looks to establish Leipzig as operational base

May 19, 2022
West Atlantic Sweden adopts CHAMP’s weight-and-balance software
Carriers

West Atlantic applies for US foreign air carrier permit

May 19, 2022
European, Middle East carriers’ lag in traffic continues into August
Freight Forwarders

Kuehne+Nagel, IAG Cargo purchase 8M liters of SAF from UK refinery

May 19, 2022
Swissport meets cargo handling demand with new VIE cargo center
Airports

Swissport meets cargo handling demand with new VIE cargo center

May 19, 2022
Announcing the Air Cargo Tech Summit
Technology

AGI’s Edip Pektas joins speaker faculty at Air Cargo Tech Summit

May 19, 2022
Air France-KLM and CMA CGM Air Cargo combine networks, freighter capacity
Carriers

Air France-KLM and CMA CGM Air Cargo combine networks, freighter capacity

May 18, 2022
China looking to divert flights from Shanghai as COVID surges
Airports

Airfreight stakeholders expect PVG volume surge ahead of June reopening

May 18, 2022
Erbil Airport houses new dnata cool-chain facility, cargo warehouse
Airports

Erbil Airport houses new dnata cool-chain facility, cargo warehouse

May 18, 2022
XPO facility with conveyors
Freight Forwarders

Consultant Insight: XPO Logistics may sell its freight forwarding division

May 17, 2022
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

FROM OUR CONTRIBUTORS

XPO facility with conveyors

Consultant Insight: XPO Logistics may sell its freight forwarding division

May 17, 2022
LATAM Cargo adding new Mexico-Brazil route, carbon offset program

Consultant Insight: Mexico City airspace safety is a growing concern

May 9, 2022
House passes $25 billion postal service bill opposed by Trump

Consultant Insight: USPS spends more on transportation in FY2021

May 4, 2022

SPONSORED

Singapore Changi Airport: Taking your Pharma Business Further - Image 2

Singapore Changi Airport: Taking your pharma business further

November 9, 2021
ULD

CODEX by Virtual Control fills gaps in cold-chain shipment visibility

July 2, 2021
Digitizing the ULD transfer process and protecting shipments with Virtual Control

Digitizing the ULD transfer process and protecting shipments with Virtual Control

May 14, 2021
  • About Us
  • Help Center
  • Privacy Terms
  • ADA Compliance
  • Advertise

 Manage Cookie Consent

Follow Us

twitter twitter linkedin podcast

© 2022 Royal Media & Air Cargo World

No Result
View All Results
  • News
    • All News
    • Airports
    • Carriers
    • E-Commerce
    • Express
    • Freight Forwarders
    • Technology
  • Data & Tools
  • Events
    • Air Cargo Tech Summit
    • 2022 Webinar Series
    • Cargo Facts EMEA
    • Cargo Facts Symposium
    • Cargo Facts Asia
  • Webinars
  • Podcasts
  • Magazine
  • Archives
  • Subscribe Test
  • Log In / Account

© 2022 Royal Media & Air Cargo World

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password? Sign Up

Create New Account!

Fill the forms bellow to register

All fields are required. Log In

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
Powered By MemberPress WooCommerce Plus Integration
THIS WEBSITE USES COOKIES

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “I CONSENT”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.

Cookie settingsI CONSENT

Review our Cookie Policies
.
Manage Cookie Consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
34f6831605sessionGeneral purpose platform session cookie, used by sites written in JSP. Usually used to maintain an anonymous user session by the server.
a64cedc0bfsessionGeneral purpose platform session cookie, used by sites written in JSP. Usually used to maintain an anonymous user session by the server.
AWSALBCORS7 daysThis cookie is managed by Amazon Web Services and is used for load balancing.
cf_use_obpastCloudflare sets this cookie to improve page load times and to disallow any security restrictions based on the visitor's IP address.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-advertisement1 yearSet by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin, this cookie is used to record the user consent for the cookies in the "Advertisement" category .
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
CRAFT_CSRF_TOKENsessionThis cookie is set by the provider Craft CMS. This cookie is used for the purpose of website security that is Cross-Site-Request forgery prevention whenever a form is used.
crmcsrsessionGeneral purpose platform session cookie, used by sites written in JSP. Usually used to maintain an anonymous user session by the server.
JSESSIONIDsessionThe JSESSIONID cookie is used by New Relic to store a session identifier so that New Relic can monitor session counts for an application.
LS_CSRF_TOKENsessionCloudflare sets this cookie to track users’ activities across multiple websites. It expires once the browser is closed.
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
CookieDurationDescription
_zcsr_tmpsessionZoho sets this cookie for the login function on the website.
663a60c55dsessionThis cookie is related to Zoho (Customer Service) Chatbox
bcookie2 yearsLinkedIn sets this cookie from LinkedIn share buttons and ad tags to recognize browser ID.
bscookie2 yearsLinkedIn sets this cookie to store performed actions on the website.
e188bc05fesessionThis cookie is set in relation to Zoho Campaigns
iamcsrsessionZoho (Customer Support) sets this cookie and is used for tracking visitors (for performance purposes)
langsessionLinkedIn sets this cookie to remember a user's language setting.
li_gc2 yearsLinkedIn uses to store consent of guests regarding the use of cookies for non-essential purposes
lidc1 dayLinkedIn sets the lidc cookie to facilitate data center selection.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
CookieDurationDescription
AWSALB7 daysAWSALB is an application load balancer cookie set by Amazon Web Services to map the session to the target.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
CookieDurationDescription
_ga2 yearsThe _ga cookie, installed by Google Analytics, calculates visitor, session and campaign data and also keeps track of site usage for the site's analytics report. The cookie stores information anonymously and assigns a randomly generated number to recognize unique visitors.
_gid1 dayInstalled by Google Analytics, _gid cookie stores information on how visitors use a website, while also creating an analytics report of the website's performance. Some of the data that are collected include the number of visitors, their source, and the pages they visit anonymously.
CONSENT2 yearsYouTube sets this cookie via embedded youtube-videos and registers anonymous statistical data.
vuid2 yearsVimeo installs this cookie to collect tracking information by setting a unique ID to embed videos to the website.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
CookieDurationDescription
_dc_gtm_UA-1038974-181 minuteUsed to help identify the visitors by either age, gender, or interests by DoubleClick - Google Tag Manager.
_fbp3 monthsThis cookie is set by Facebook to display advertisements when either on Facebook or on a digital platform powered by Facebook advertising, after visiting the website.
fr3 monthsFacebook sets this cookie to show relevant advertisements to users by tracking user behaviour across the web, on sites that have Facebook pixel or Facebook social plugin.
VISITOR_INFO1_LIVE5 months 27 daysA cookie set by YouTube to measure bandwidth that determines whether the user gets the new or old player interface.
YSCsessionYSC cookie is set by Youtube and is used to track the views of embedded videos on Youtube pages.
yt-remote-connected-devicesneverYouTube sets this cookie to store the video preferences of the user using embedded YouTube video.
yt-remote-device-idneverYouTube sets this cookie to store the video preferences of the user using embedded YouTube video.
yt.innertube::nextIdneverThis cookie, set by YouTube, registers a unique ID to store data on what videos from YouTube the user has seen.
yt.innertube::requestsneverThis cookie, set by YouTube, registers a unique ID to store data on what videos from YouTube the user has seen.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
CookieDurationDescription
34f6831605sessionGeneral purpose platform session cookie, used by sites written in JSP. Usually used to maintain an anonymous user session by the server.
ig_putmasessionNo description
Save & Accept
Powered by CookieYes Logo
Go to mobile version