Author(s)

Mohsen Attaran

School of Business and Public Administration, California State University, Bakersfield, USA.

3D printing is a process of making three-dimensional objects using additive processes where layers are laid down in succession to create a complete object. Companies across the globe are actively piloting and leveraging the inherent benefits of 3D printing technology. Today, 3D printing is expanding the landscape of supply chains and providing critical medical supplies to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. This article explores 3D printing’s current technologies and trends and identifies its key benefits and advantages that shape the future of many industries. Additionally, the article highlights 3D printing applications in different industries. Finally, the article investigates the crucial rolls the technology plays in filling the critical gap in the supply chains of the healthcare industry during the recent pandemic.

3D Printing, Additive Manufacturing, Rapid Prototyping, Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), Stereolithography (SLA), Digital Light Processing (DLP), Medical Supply Chains

Attaran, M. (2020) 3D Printing Role in Filling the Critical Gap in the Medical Supply Chain during COVID-19 Pandemic. American Journal of Industrial and Business Management, 10, 988-1001. doi: 10.4236/ajibm.2020.105066.