Seeing is Believing: 3D-Printed Boundary Objects for the Additive Manufacturing Twin Transition

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.34190/eckm.25.1.2350

Keywords:

3D-printing, additive manufacturing, boundary object, twin transition

Abstract

This article describes the use of 3D-printed demonstrators as boundary objects in intra-firm collaboration processes aimed at implementing additive manufacturing (AM). AM is a disruptive digital technology with large potential environmental benefits. Demonstrators are common early in the learning process to familiarize organisations with AM, and it’s important to understand both their benefits and the limitations and risks involved.

The results suggest that 3D-printed demonstrators can be effective in establishing a common minimum level of knowledge across diverse professions within the same organisation. Having physical objects available makes conversations about AM more engaging and legitimizes the idea of utilising AM as realistic. However, the fabrication of demonstrators can be a lengthy and costly process, and the result may not be a good representation of the final design. Negative experiences in such initial trials may turn managers away from AM prematurely. Many of the benefits of demonstrators can be obtained by producing low-cost miniatures and/or polymer parts that will mitigate the risks.

Author Biographies

Trond Halvorsen

Trond Halvorsen has a doctorate in economics from the Norwegian School of Economics (NHH). As a researcher at SINTEF, he works to evaluate the effects of digital innovations, mainly the digitization of traditional industries. This includes welfare technology, 3D printing (additive manufacturing) and the sharing economy. He has experience with project management from Norwegian and European innovation projects and has written several scientific articles.

Raymond Andreas Stokke, SINTEF

Raymond Andreas Stokke is a Research Scientist at the Department of Technology Management at SINTEF Digital. His research interests include business models and innovation, with particular emphasis on strategy, procurement, circularity and innovation ecosystems. Stokke holds a PhD from Queensland University of Technology in Brisbane, Australia. 

Gunnar Lamvik

Gunnar M. Lamvik. Ph.D. in Social Anthropology, NTNU, and now a Senior Researcher at SINTEF Technology and society, in Trondheim, Norway. Lamvik hold a PhD around Filipino seafarers inside the international fleet, and has also been involved in a long range of projects covering maritime training issues, were keywords as serious gaming, bridge simulations and computer-based training (CBTs), has been some running themes. Lamvik has over the years at SINTEF been involved in a long range of R&D projects inside maritime and Oil and Gas industry. Both managerial practices, trade union subjects and the HSE situation in shipping and offshore industry in across different regions has been analyzed in these projects.

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Published

2024-09-03