Digital Manufacturing Practices using 3D Printing in Indian Manufacturing Sector to Improve Productivity in Alignment with Industry 4.0

Abstract

Advancement in information technologies and intelligent production systems are being encouraged by the latest industrial revolution, known as Industry 4.0. In this new movement, additive manufacturing, or AM, is seen as a necessary component. A thorough analysis of AM technologies and their contributions to Industry 4.0 are provided in this publication. The three primary areas of AM that are the subject of this review are process development, design consideration improvements, and new developments in material science. Categorizing existing knowledge (and technological trends) on AM and highlighting its possible applications is the primary goal of this research. In this study, the use of 3D printing technology to increase productivity in the Indian manufacturing sector in accordance with the principles of digital manufacturing is examined.  A paradigm change towards automation, connectivity, and data-driven decision-making is taking place in the Indian industrial scene with the arrival of Industry 4.0, which is defined by the combination of digital technologies and traditional manufacturing processes. In light of this, the goal of this study is to investigate how 3D printing functions as a disruptive technology that has the potential to completely transform conventional production methods and result in notable increases in productivity.

The first section of the article gives a general review of digital manufacturing and discusses its importance in the context of Industry 4.0, highlighting the revolutionary potential of technologies such as 3D printing that make manufacturing processes more flexible, affordable, and sustainable. By combining extant literature with empirical data from surveys and case studies conducted in various Indian manufacturing companies, the research outlines the particular uses and advantages of 3D printing for productivity enhancement, such as supply chain agility, design optimization, and rapid prototyping. In addition, the research looks at the obstacles that prevent 3D printing from being widely used in the Indian manufacturing industry. These include problems with infrastructure constraints, skill shortages, and technological readiness. The paper provides strategic solutions to overcome these issues and create a favorable environment for the integration of digital manufacturing and 3D printing methods, drawing on experiences from industry practitioners and experts. To sum up, this study emphasizes how important it is for Indian firms to adopt digital transformation and make use of cutting-edge technologies like 3D printing in order to boost productivity and competitiveness in the Age of Industry 4.0. Through the adoption of a culture that values creativity, cooperation, and ongoing education, Indian manufacturing companies can open up new growth opportunities and solidify their leadership position in the world .