Colloquia

Summary

This thesis investigates the potential of Additive Manufacturing (AM) for on-demand production of

spare parts within mass production environments, as an assignment for Trivium Packaging. The goal is to support non-AM experts in assessing the suitability of spare parts for AM, without requiring changes to the existing spare parts workflow. A comprehensive literature review and company analysis identify technological and organizational requirements for AM adoption,

including material compatibility, geometrical feasibility, and post-processing needs. Based on

expert interviews and existing frameworks, an AM suitability assessment tool is developed to guide

non-AM experts through the assessment process. The tool integrates key decision criteria into a

structured framework and provides clear recommendations for in-house or outsourced AM production. Validation through user testing demonstrates the tool’s usability and reliability, while highlighting areas for improvement such as material naming conventions and tolerance thresholds. The results show that the tool positively influences decision-making and enables broader adoption of AM in spare parts management. This contributes to reduced lead times, lower inventory costs, and increased responsiveness in manufacturing operations.