Framework for Adoption of Freeform Injection Molding in Discrete Manufacturing Companies

Freeform Injection Molding (FIM) is a novel technology based on sacrificial 3D-printed injection mold tooling. Key FIM benefits include shorter lead-times, lower start-up costs and increased design freedom, compared with existing injection mold tooling technologies. In this paper, it is discussed how FIM as an example of a novel manufacturing technology can be adopted considering internal and external factors. Internal factors include manufacturing technology strategy, organizational contexts, manufacturing system, and supply chain factors. External factors include FIM technology, Social Readiness Level (SRL), market and environmental considerations. Although FIM has reached technical maturity, it has not been widely adopted by manufacturing companies and consequently, the economic impact of FIM has not been fully realized yet. In this paper, a high-level FIM adoption process outlines a series of actions supporting the implementation of FIM as an emerging manufacturing technology. The adoption process starts with introducing the technology and comparing the benefits and limitations of FIM with conventional technologies through awareness building workshops. These workshops will be followed by introducing methodologies that enable the companies to identify components suitable for manufacturing by FIM. Once the suitable components are identified and key requirements defined, the components may be manufactured with FIM and their performance need to be validated to make sure that the criteria/requirements defined by the company are fulfilled. Finally, a procedure is developed to determine the impact and potential route to implementation.