How Fleet Managers Use 3D Printing in Construction
3D printing is the process of making a physical object by using a three-dimensional digital model, typically using a machine that places thin layers of material on top of each other in succession.
Dr. Hideo Kodama is credited with inventing the earliest 3D printer when he built one of the first rapid prototyping machines that created parts layer by layer, using a resin that could be polymerized with ultraviolet (UV) light. However, Chuck Hull is considered “the inventor of 3D printing.” He created, patented, and commercialized stereolithography (SLA) in 1986, and introduced the .stl format, which is still the most common file type used in 3D printing today.
In 2018, the International Space Station (ISS) printed the first tool in space, using a low-gravity 3D printer. Considering that the astronauts aboard the space station need to rely on supplies sent from Earth—which normally occurred about four times per year—if something was used up, broken, or they just didn’t have what they needed, certain operations aboard the ISS could often be slowed or halted altogether. 3D printing, therefore, was a blessing.
And while fleet managers on Earth have greater access to supplies and materials, we couldn’t help but wonder how beneficial 3D printing is for construction and project completion.
See a large selection of new and used construction equipment for sale online.
Time is Money
In the fleet management world, if machinery isn’t moving, it’s not profitable. Therefore, if a heavy-duty piece of equipment breaks down and the part or tool needed to make the repair is not in stock and needs to be shipped from the other side of the country (or even the globe), that’s damaging to the company’s bottom line. Not only is the equipment inactive, but in many cases, so is the equipment operator, which is a double financial hit.
With 3D printing, a fleet manager can be made aware of a situation where a part or tool is needed and simply send the specifications to a printer to have it made on the spot. Of course, the printing process may take some time, given the size of the object, the complexity of the model, and the speed of the printer. However, it’s generally faster than waiting for a specialty item or replacement part to be shipped to the site from a distant location, and it can be less expensive than renting a back-up piece of equipment while bringing the broken machine back up to speed.
Cut Costs and Reduce Waste
Another benefit of being able to print a part or tool on-demand is a reduction in waste and inventory. There are a lot of small parts that make up the big machines of heavy-duty equipment. Imagine, instead of keeping dozens of brackets for a dozen different kinds of machines stored in the fleet facility, you could just print the part you need on demand. That saves manufacturing, shipping, and inventory costs.
Another innovative feature with 3D printing for fleet managers is their efficiency—manufacturing only uses the specific amount of material requested for a component. So, not only is being able to print on-demand conserve time and space, it can reduce waste while saving money on the job site.
The Mother of Necessity
Fleet mechanics spend a lot of time around machines, so they know what works and what doesn’t when it comes to maintenance and repairs. Often, a technician will come up with an idea for a tool that can make their tasks easier and speed up repair times in the process.
With their input, a new tool or modification to an existing tool can be made in-house without extensive design and manufacturing efforts. Prototypes can be created, tested, and evaluated. If tweaks are needed, they can be made quickly and a next-generation prototype can be printed. Once a new tool, bracket, bolt, or another part is approved, additional copies can be generated by the 3D printer so that every technician on the team has easy access to them. This could potentially elicit additional ideas and suggestions from the other team members for the creation of other innovations based on their operational knowledge with the equipment.
In addition, if a company has more than one location where technicians work on company equipment, the file for the newly designed piece can be transmitted electronically to the different locations so all of the team members can have access to it.
Get prices online for new and used forklifts for sale.
Putting It To The Test
Having 3D printing technology can help heavy-duty machines run smoothly for hours of quality service. However, there may come a time when you might want to sell one piece to buy another. When that happens, shop from the largest online inventory of new and used equipment nationwide for your next project.
Barrett Baker
You might also like
