Final Update: Distributed Manufacturing

Past progress

In order to provide the decorative aspect of the UTA, we designed a 3D printed outer ring which could be printed in almost any color. The outer ring also provides a surface on which a logo, company name or other information could be pad printed on the surface. This would make the product marketable in the Promotional Market.

Update

A batch of 100 pieces was produced in two sizes with two colors in each of the sizes. The UTAs were given to selected people to try. These people will be polled for comments and suggestions for improvement

Next Step

Try to find a market for the product.

The product is both functional and decorative. It can be manufactured in almost any color, style or design.

Conclusion

The experiment to prove the concept of distributed manufacturing aspect of 3D printing was successful.

Along the way, a useful, functional, and decorative product was developed.

Read the complete Distributed Manufacturing series:

Part 1: Distributed Manufacturing "What is it and what are the advantages?" Part 2: Distributed Manufacturing "An update on the progress of the functional models" Part 3: Distributed Manufacturing “Do we have a saleable product?"