Workforce 4.0 - Additive Manufacturing

Additive Manufacturing is one of the technologies marking Industry 4.0. But what is it and what’s “the big deal” about it? Well, it “can significantly reduce material waste, reduce the amount of production steps, inventory being held, and reduce the amount of distinct parts needed for an assembly.” (https://www.industryweek.com/emerging-technologies/why-you-need-additive-manufacturing-strategy) 

The beginnings of Additive Manufacturing (AM) go back to the 1980s, when  “...Stereolithography (SLA), a technique or process for creating three-dimensional objects, in which a computer-controlled moving laser beam is used to build up the required structure, layer by layer, from a liquid polymer that hardens on contact with laser light, was invented in Japan.” (History of Additive Manufacturing: (https://www.igi-global.com/chapter/history-of-additive-manufacturing/182410).

Previously, parts were rather manufactured in a subtractive manner, in which objects are created by removing material from solid block or bars of plastic, metal or other materials, but also utilizing machines and computers from the creation of virtual model designs to machines that, based on software / programming, would make the necessary cuts or whatever is necessary to remove material. 

Aside from investment in new technology and ensuring the employees and supervisors working with the technology are trained accordingly, it does not seem like a huge change impact is to be expected for all employees, leaders or HR. 

Please remember we are not experts in this field, but only intend to express some of our thoughts on how Industry 4.0 could impact Workforce 4.0. Any of our articles do not claim to have covered all aspects, or to be “right” -  We welcome your thoughts!

Ulli Hildebrand & Ann Hellow