Autor: Martin Brylowski

Additive manufacturing processes are becoming increasingly important in industry and enable the cost-e ective production of complex components in small quantities. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in particular can bene t from the high customization potential enabling the development of new business models. However, the widespread use of additive processes faces high production costs and technological challenges. Meanwhile, scienti c research focuses on the optimization of individual process steps of additive manufacturing and does not o er su cient support for SMEs. Therefore, this paper deals with the development of a cross-process value chain of additive manufacturing for SMEs. Based on a systematic analysis of scienti c literature, relevant additive manufacturing processes were investigated, and a cross-process value chain was derived. The results were veri ed by expert interviews and central research and development requirements were extracted.

The advancing technological change, the globalization of markets as well as increasing customer requirements have led to a significant increase in complexity in manufacturing companies and their supply chains. Companies and entire value chains are countering this development with product modularization strategies. In this context, however, the investigation of the influences of product modularization on the supply chain receives little attention. This can lead to unused potentials and additional risks, such as the loss of core competencies. Therefore, this article deals with necessary processes and success factors that result from a joint consideration of product modularization along the supply chain. On the basis of a systematic analysis of scientific literature and guideline-supported expert interviews, a process model with different phases and steps was developed and currently necessary success factors were identified.