User:Hinzypet/Cloud Manufacturing

Cloud Manufacturing is Internet-based, distributed manufacturing, whereby shared resources are provided on demand, like the electricity grid. Cloud manufacturing is a paradigm shift similar to the shift computing has undergone and describes a new product design, manufacturing, and delivery model based on the Internet,user friendly 3D modeling software and low cost fabricating equipment.

The term "cloud" is used as a metaphor for the Internet, based on the cloud drawing used in the past to represent the telephone network,and later to depict the Internet in computer network diagram as an abstraction of the underlying infrastructure it represents. 1. A readily available, low cost, easy to use, personal fabricating machine is in every household. 2a. 3D models are available for download from the Web, the "cloud", for free (see Thingiverse for an idea of the possibilities) or for a fee, depending upon the demand. Think E-books for the Kindle, old classics can be downloaded for free while you pay for the newly released top sellers. 2b. 3D modelling software accessed through the Web (or "cloud") is so easy to use that the average person can create a representation of what he or she wants or modify a current design relatively easily. 2c. For replication purposes, change the tool head on the personal fabricator to a scanner, place the desired object for copying into the machine, press scan, and the personal fabricator creates a 3D model of the object ready for duplication (sounds a lot like a copier!) 3. After finding, creating, scanning what he/she wants/needs, the file is loaded into the home fabricator, and manufactured on demand.

Literally, you reach into the "cloud", find what you want, and make it right then, right there.

Why would we go in this direction:

1. The ultimate in one piece flow 2. Literally, on-demand manufacturing 3. Little, to no transportation, inventory, overproduction, over-processing (i.e. the seven deadly forms of waste) 4. The ultimate in consumer choice, no more buying what is available, buy want you want, when you want it!

How would this work? Imagine a child wanting a toy:

1. Child desires toy 2. Parent searches Web, "cloud", for toy child wants 3. Parent downloads 3D Model of toy into fabricator and makes toy 4. Child gets the exact toy they want, now.