3D printing and LEAN production: how do smart little details reduce waste?
3D printing and LEAN manufacturing sound like two completely different worlds at first glance – one as futuristic technology and the other as a decades-old philosophy.
But in fact, they are a great pair.
3D printing and LEAN manufacturing sound like two completely different worlds at first glance – one as futuristic technology and the other as a decades-old philosophy.
In this blog post, we look at how 3D printing can help put LEAN principles into practice in manufacturing and how smart tools can make the workplace significantly more efficient.
Why do 3D printing and LEAN go together?
How can we create more value using fewer resources and how can we limit waste?
Waste can be hidden in:
• excessive movements,
• during waiting times,
• scrap,
• in complex working techniques,
• too much inventory.
3D printing is not just a “cool new technology.” In the LEAN world, it is becoming a very practical tool that can be used to quickly create jigs, fixtures, tool holders, and other specialized solutions – exactly as a specific job requires.
Waste can be hidden in:
• excessive movements,
• during waiting times,
• scrap,
• in complex working techniques,
• too much inventory.
3D printing is not just a “cool new technology.” In the LEAN world, it is becoming a very practical tool that can be used to quickly create jigs, fixtures, tool holders, and other specialized solutions – exactly as a specific job requires.
3D-printed aids that reduce waste
1️⃣ Fewer unnecessary movements
A worker reaches, searches, adjusts… dozens of times every day. Small extra movements add up to a big waste of time.
3D printing can be used to create:
• special stands that keep the parts in the correct order,
• tool holders designed specifically for a specific workbench,
• line guides that direct the parts into the correct position.
Small details, but a huge efficiency gain.
2️⃣ Less waiting and downtime
If a line needs a single fixture or holder with a special profile, it can take weeks to manufacture it in a traditional way. But with a 3D printer? Often hours, not days.If a line needs a single fixture or holder with a special profile, it can take weeks to manufacture it in a traditional way. But with a 3D printer? Often hours, not days.
Benefits:
• production of a single part is fast and cheap,
• vajadusel saab prototüüpi kiiresti täiustada.
The result: less downtime, more production.
3️⃣ Less Scrap Many errors occur because the part is not in exactly the right position or the process depends on the operator's "eyeballing". 3D Printed Fixtures and Fixtures:
• ensure consistent quality,
• take away the possibility of error,
• make work visually easier.
And as LEAN says: quality comes from process, not control.
4️⃣ Less overprocessing
Standard solutions are suitable for everyone, but not for anyone. 3D printing allows you to create a solution that is right for your line. For example:
• a detail that holds parts together so that separate measurements are no longer necessary,
• a clamp that turns complex work into one simple movement.
In LEAN language: fewer steps → more value.
3D printing can be used to create:
• special stands that keep the parts in the correct order,
• tool holders designed specifically for a specific workbench,
• line guides that direct the parts into the correct position.
Small details, but a huge efficiency gain.
2️⃣ Less waiting and downtime
If a line needs a single fixture or holder with a special profile, it can take weeks to manufacture it in a traditional way. But with a 3D printer? Often hours, not days.If a line needs a single fixture or holder with a special profile, it can take weeks to manufacture it in a traditional way. But with a 3D printer? Often hours, not days.
Benefits:
• production of a single part is fast and cheap,
• vajadusel saab prototüüpi kiiresti täiustada.
The result: less downtime, more production.
3️⃣ Less Scrap Many errors occur because the part is not in exactly the right position or the process depends on the operator's "eyeballing". 3D Printed Fixtures and Fixtures:
• ensure consistent quality,
• take away the possibility of error,
• make work visually easier.
And as LEAN says: quality comes from process, not control.
4️⃣ Less overprocessing
Standard solutions are suitable for everyone, but not for anyone. 3D printing allows you to create a solution that is right for your line. For example:
• a detail that holds parts together so that separate measurements are no longer necessary,
• a clamp that turns complex work into one simple movement.
In LEAN language: fewer steps → more value.
🚀 3D printing as an ideal LEAN pilot
If a company is just starting out on the LEAN journey, 3D printing is one of the best ways to create quick wins.
How to start?
• Choose one workplace where there is an obvious problem – waiting time, awkward movements, or waste.
• Include an operator and a foreman – they know exactly where the “shoe pinches”.
• 3D printed design aid.
• Testi 2–4 nädalat.
• Mõõda tulemusi ja korda järgmistes töökohtades.
Juhtkonda kõnetab väga selge sõnum: „Üks 3D-prinditud detail säästis X% tööaega ja vähendas vigu Y%.“
How to start?
• Choose one workplace where there is an obvious problem – waiting time, awkward movements, or waste.
• Include an operator and a foreman – they know exactly where the “shoe pinches”.
• 3D printed design aid.
• Testi 2–4 nädalat.
• Mõõda tulemusi ja korda järgmistes töökohtades.
Juhtkonda kõnetab väga selge sõnum: „Üks 3D-prinditud detail säästis X% tööaega ja vähendas vigu Y%.“
🖨️ Alustada printeriga või partneriga?
Hea uudis: LEAN ei eelda, et ostaksid kohe kallid seadmed.
Sageli on mõistlikum:
• testida ideid koos 3D-printimise partneriga (nagu PrintCraft),
• teha väikesed pilootprojektid,
• õppida, kus 3D-printimine tegelikult kasu loob.
PrintCraftis näeme iga päev, kuidas täpsus, mida saab näha, ja loovus, mida saab katsuda, aitavad muuta LEAN-põhimõtted reaalseks – rakised, hoidikud või nutikad erilahendused.
Sageli on mõistlikum:
• testida ideid koos 3D-printimise partneriga (nagu PrintCraft),
• teha väikesed pilootprojektid,
• õppida, kus 3D-printimine tegelikult kasu loob.
PrintCraftis näeme iga päev, kuidas täpsus, mida saab näha, ja loovus, mida saab katsuda, aitavad muuta LEAN-põhimõtted reaalseks – rakised, hoidikud või nutikad erilahendused.
