EXTON, PA — Ricoh recently announced its partnership with North Carolina State University (NC State), a leading institution in additive manufacturing research. This collaboration aims to tackle some of the most pressing supply chain challenges through the advanced application of 3D printing technology.
The newly established Center of Excellence (COE) at NC State will serve as a hub for innovation in additive manufacturing. It will not only spearhead research and development efforts in this cutting-edge field but also act as the operational core for Ricoh’s Managed 3D-print services network. This setup will empower product teams to design, prototype, and iterate product designs swiftly and efficiently in-house, a critical capability in today’s fast-paced market environment.
Additive manufacturing, or 3D printing as it’s more commonly known, has seen a substantial growth spurt, with global revenue for products and services in this sector increasing by 18.3% in 2022 alone. Traditionally utilized for prototyping and manufacturing aids, the technology is now finding applications in producing personalized consumer products and end-use parts across various industries.
Gary Turner, Senior Director of Additive Manufacturing at Ricoh, highlighted the transformative potential of the company’s Managed 3D-print services. By facilitating rapid onsite prototyping, these services are set to expedite innovation and product development. Adopting an as-a-service model allows companies to leverage existing 3D printing expertise and resources, reducing time to market and avoiding hefty capital investments.
Initial pilots of Ricoh’s managed services have yielded impressive results. A leading provider of process control and yield management solutions reported a near 90 percent reduction in time and cost for prototyping by shifting this function in-house, underlining the efficiency gains achievable through Ricoh’s model.
The partnership between Ricoh and NC State is expected to enrich Ricoh’s Managed Services offerings by providing direct access to cutting-edge additive manufacturing practices and resources. “We are able to drive efficiencies through our teams onsite, as well as address unique challenges through the COE,” Turner stated.
From an academic perspective, this collaboration offers tangible benefits as well. Mark Schmidt, Ph.D., NC State’s associate vice chancellor for partnerships, emphasized the role of additive manufacturing in simplifying supply chain complexities and fostering innovation across diverse sectors. The partnership with Ricoh is set to prepare students for meaningful careers in this burgeoning field while simultaneously advancing research and identifying novel applications for 3D printing technology.
As industries worldwide grapple with the challenges of increasingly complex supply chains, the alliance between Ricoh and NC State represents a beacon of innovation. By harnessing the power of 3D printing, this partnership is poised to deliver significant advancements in manufacturing efficiency, product personalization, and rapid prototyping, setting a new standard for how businesses approach product development and supply chain management in the digital age.
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