Technology Category
Machine Learning: Hardware-aware MLPlanning, Routing, and Scheduling: Mixed Discrete/Continuous PlanningConstraint Satisfaction and Optimization: Distributed CSP/Optimization
A Cost-Benefit Analysis of Additive Manufacturing as a Service
🤖 AI Summary
To address the insufficient economic viability of Manufacturing-as-a-Service (MaaS) amid global manufacturing’s transition toward sustainability and localization, this paper designs and implements a cloud-based MaaS platform. Built on a Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA) and deployed on Microsoft Azure, the platform enables concurrent integration and intelligent order dispatching for heterogeneous 3D printers (FDM, SLA, DLP). It introduces a novel weighted profit-sharing model to dynamically balance rights, responsibilities, and revenues among platform operators, service providers, and manufacturers. The architecture is inherently extensible, supporting future integration of hybrid additive-subtractive manufacturing systems. Empirical evaluation demonstrates that the platform significantly improves local on-demand manufacturing profitability, reduces supply chain lead times, eliminates inventory overstock, and lowers transportation-related carbon emissions—thereby validating both the technical feasibility and commercial viability of a sustainable MaaS paradigm.
Technology Category
Application Category
📝 Abstract
The global manufacturing landscape is undergoing a fundamental shift from resource-intensive mass production to sustainable, localised manufacturing. This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of a Cloud Crafting Platform that enables Manufacturing as a Service (MaaS) through additive manufacturing technologies. The platform connects web shops with local three-dimensional (3D) printing facilities, allowing customers to purchase products that are manufactured on-demand in their vicinity. We present the platform's Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA), deployment on the Microsoft Azure cloud, and integration with three different 3D printer models in a testbed environment. A detailed cost-benefit analysis demonstrates the economic viability of the approach, which generates significant profit margins. The platform implements a weighted profit-sharing model that fairly compensates all stakeholders based on their investment and operational responsibilities. Our results show that on-demand, localised manufacturing through MaaS is not only technically feasible but also economically viable, while reducing environmental impact through shortened supply chains and elimination of inventory waste. The platform's extensible architecture allows for future integration of additional manufacturing technologies beyond 3D printing.
Problem
Research questions and friction points this paper is trying to address.
Cost-Benefit Analysis of Additive Manufacturing
Localised Manufacturing as a Service
Economic Viability of Cloud Crafting Platform
Innovation
Methods, ideas, or system contributions that make the work stand out.
Cloud Crafting Platform
Service-Oriented Architecture
Weighted profit-sharing model
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