Role of Additive Manufacturing in Industry 4.0 for Maintenance Engineering

Abstract

The chapter describes the role of additive manufacturing (AM) in Industry 4.0 (I4.0) for maintenance engineering. A brief introduction of the fourth industrial revolution and related technologies has been included. The different AM processes with significant contributions in the relevant industry sectors have been discussed along with suitable examples. Difference between the manufacturing capabilities of conventional and AM technologies has also been presented. Owing to its high degree of design freedom, AM helps to reduce the spare parts inventory cost, component assembly cost, and can replace the discontinued parts easily. A case study presenting these key distinctive features of AM, which make it an indispensable technology for I4.0, are also discussed. Furthermore, the barriers to the adoption of AM technology by manufacturers and possible remedial actions are also discussed in brief. The knowledge gaps in terms of materials and design tools for AM have been identified and a probable road ahead has been discussed.