Additive Manufacturing in the 4th Industrial Revolution: Impact of 3D Printing on Business and Industry

Although additive manufacturing (AM), also known as 3D printing, has been around for almost 40 years, few people know how it actually works and the huge impact and benefits it offers. This book explains what AM is, using business theories to explain and illustrate why AM is increasingly being used across industries.

The book translates complex engineering technology into relevant managerial terminology, using real-world examples from industries such as apparel, construction and transportation. It provides an introduction into the technical background of AM before expanding on the applications, opportunities and challenges to business models.

Offering a unique managerial perspective, this book is aimed primarily at a scholarly audience and those researching across business disciplines, including technology management, manufacturing, production and operations management. It can also be used in emerging business courses on AM.

Harm-Jan Steenhuis is Professor of Management, International Business in the College of Business at Hawai’i Pacific University. He previously worked at Eastern Washington University, North Carolina State University, and the University of Twente in Enschede, the Netherlands. He received his MSc in Industrial Engineering and Management and his PhD in International Technology Transfer from the University of Twente.

His main research areas connect with technological development and economic development related issues such as clusters, technology transfer and diffusion, and innovative technologies. In recent years he has focused on additive manufacturing such as the diffusion of industrial additive manufacturing, adoption of desktop 3D printers, and additive manufacturing in different industries.