Impact of additive manufacturing on business competitiveness: a multiple case study

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the impacts of additive manufacturing (AM) in manufacturing, business strategies and business performance and to determine the contingent factors driving performance. Accordingly, this study also clarifies the relationship between these impacts and company and product characteristics.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted an exploratory study using multiple case research methodology, sampling 16 heterogeneous companies based on the theoretical replication approach. The potential impacts of AM were identified by reviewing the previous literature. For the driving factors, the paper follows the literature on AM, as well as the theories arisen from technology management literature. The qualitative information was collected by means of semi-structured interviews and documentary analysis to measure the effectiveness of AM in these aspects.

Findings

The paper derives and provides empirical insights regarding how this technology affects the industry. This study reveals how the implementation of AM in the Rapid Manufacturing (RM) of products made of metal has boosted productivity. These findings also demonstrate an increasing competitiveness of the early adopter SMEs using RM.

Research limitations/implications

This empirical research has been conducted by means of qualitative data. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to test the propositions by quantitative measures.

Practical implications

The paper provides insights for the adaption of AM and its impacts on business strategies and performance.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to expanding the literature by depicting explicit links between the implementation of this revolutionary technology and business strategies and performance.

Citation

Khorram Niaki, M. and Nonino, F. (2017), "Impact of additive manufacturing on business competitiveness: a multiple case study", Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management, Vol. 28 No. 1, pp. 56-74. https://doi.org/10.1108/JMTM-01-2016-0001