Posted on 05/04/2015 1:00:53 PM PDT by Borges
"We'll have 100 high-tech 3D printers running 24 hours, 7 days a week," said CloudDDM's founder Mitch Free. And it'll need just three employees: one for each of the eight-hour shifts.
(Excerpt) Read more at money.cnn.com ...
Imagine how many podcasts and audiobooks those three can listen to.
WOW!
One area that 3D printing will change the game is with products that are not manufactured on a mass scale. Let's say for instance you are in the business of repairing household appliances like refrigerators or dishwashers. There are hundreds of models out there to stock parts for - or you pay an exorbitant price sourcing it on eBay or some large supplier.
But what if you could manufacture the part you need on demand? Simply print out the gear or pulley you need, or a spring mechanism or a belt. It's as easy as sending the file of the part you need to the 3D printer. In my company, we have a large number of field technicians across the country working on many different models of printing and scanning devices. We envision the day soon where the technicians will carry a portable 3D printer with them and will be able to produce the replacement parts they need onsite so they can complete the job in one trip. Or they can have it printed out on the client's 3D printer. No more waiting for costly overnight delivery of parts. No more maintaining costly inventories of parts that eventually need to get written off.
Very, very funny Vet!
The problem of finding something for everyone to do is about to get worse.
At the moment that's true. But that's coming.
In the meantime, they are perfect for low unit rate high complexity parts which are typically customized.
This is the market positioning for additive manufacturing: rapidly customizable, uniqueness for a low price with a short delivery time.
Shipping is being handles by the post office. I think the one employee is primarily there to make sure nothing bad happens, like fires or break-ins.
This is just womderful news. Now if they can get it down to one employee, that’ll really be something!
For those who have not had a business, the point where you start losing money is when you hire your first employee.
This article is probably more than a little PR optimistic propaganda, but loading of raw materials, removing and inspecting production and packaging and prep for shipping could all be automated, also. The day is coming where anything physical and a lot of mental functions will be automated with only an occasional human for the truly unusual major failure.
He's cut way back on the bother of all the labor regulations and Obamacare mandates.
“Well they need 7 employees to run 24/7... at least if the really want somebody there at all times. “
Three for 24/5 and Four for 24/2?
” If one employee per shift is enough to manage the machinery, load the raw materials, unload and inspect the finished parts, and ship them out the door “
Raw materials: Vendor Contract
Unload: Open door, remove item.
Inspect: Ouch. Still hot.
Ship: UPS
Well if you’re going to have vacation or sick time you need more than 3 for 24/5, I think that would be 4 or 5. The only math on that I remember is that to man 1 spot 24/7 and allow people to miss time without the others getting over time means 7 people, the majority of which are part time.
“but a portable MP3 player or digital camera would never have been possible without solid state memory.”
Uh, I still have my 1” Microdrive hard drive that I used in a camera ....
Still works great after 10 years but is a little slow.
“Well if you’re going to have vacation or sick time you need more than 3 for 24/5, I think that would be 4 or 5. “
Just guessing, but maybe the owner fills in some.
True, you can’t do 24/7 with three.
Go UNION and watch those figures reverse!
You are absolutely right. I keep thinking of all of the knobs and such in my older cars that need to be replaced. Soon I will go to a “print shop” and ask for a new door handle for my 2000 Avalon and I will have it within minutes.
Any advice on getting in on the ground floor?
apparently, it’s here
Machines enhance human productivity?
The Great Shift Toward Automation and the Future of Employment
http://tamarawilhite.hubpages.com/hub/The-Great-Shift-and-the-Future-of-Employment
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