Event

DEM Research Seminar with Ganesh Balasubramanian, Indian Institute of Management, India

  • Speaker  Ganesh Balasubramanian, Indian Institute of Management, India

  • Location

    Campus Kirchberg 6, Rue Richard Coudenhove-Kalergi

    1359, Luxembourg, Luxembourg

  • Topic(s)
    Economics & Management
  • Type(s)
    Lectures and seminars

3D Printing for Mass Customization

Language: English

Registration:
– Free seminar
– Registration to dem@uni.lu (please specify full name and institution)

Contact:
dem@uni.lu
Tel: +352 46 66 44 6283

Joint work with Benny Mantin and Sachin Jayaswal

Abstract:

Advances in 3D printing and manufacturing technology allow manufacturers to sell customized products that perfectly fit customers’ biometric profiles. A new wave of customizable products, such as bike helmets, footwear, and earphones, require a measurement process to capture each customer’s dimensions, which can be achieved either by delegating the process to retailers or to customers. The former involves precision measuring equipment as well as on-site production of the fitted product, which implies ceding pricing power to the retailer. The latter involves a measurement process that relies on the customer (usually via a mobile application), which is subject to data imperfection issues thereby risking the product’s fit. Both approaches are observed in practice. Which channel shall the manufacturer adopt? This work provides guidance by shedding light on the roles of data fidelity, degree of customization, and customization cost.