1. Introduction
While technological advancements are a defining characteristic of each industrial revolution [
1], they are not always the sole catalyst force behind these revolutions. Rather, other factors also contribute to their emergence and impact. One such influential factor is the pursuit of lower unit costs through the effective use of emerging technologies [
2], resulting occasionally in an oversupply of goods and services. In the context of Industry 4.0 however, which is characterized by the integration of new technologies, an emerging driving force is the effective alignment of supply with demand. This is where Additive Manufacturing (AM), also known as 3D printing, takes centre stage due to its capability for on-demand production [
3,
4,
5,
6].
Throughout history, industrial revolutions have witnessed significant breakthroughs in technology that transform industries and reshape economies. From the mechanization of steam power in the First Industrial Revolution [
7] to the utilization of electricity and assembly lines in the Second Industrial Revolution [
8], and the rise of computers and automation in the Third Industrial Revolution [
9,
10,
11], technology has played a pivotal role in driving change. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that other factors, such as economic, social, and political circumstances, also influence the onset and impact of these revolutions [
12,
13]. One major economical driver is the pursuit of gaining more market share through price-competitive strategies that focus on lowering unit costs. This pursuit of efficiency and cost reduction has often resulted in an overabundance of supply. Factors like improved production techniques, increased automation, economies of scale, and enhanced productivity contribute to the surplus. Although this excess supply initially fuels growth and expansion, it can eventually lead to inefficiencies, market saturation, and unsustainable practices.
In the context of Industry 4.0, which encompasses technologies like artificial intelligence [
14], big data [
15], the Internet of Things (IoT) [
16], and advanced robotics [
17], the focus is not merely to integrate them in one smart factory, but rather on using them effectively to match supply with demand [
18], thus eliminating inefficiencies in the form of excess inventories or stockout events. By integrating these technologies, Industry 4.0 enables improved forecasting [
19], real-time data analysis [
20], demand-driven production [
21], and flexible manufacturing systems [
22]. The objective is to optimize production processes, reduce waste, minimize inventory, and swiftly adapt to changing market conditions. This approach ensures a more efficient allocation of resources and a synchronized supply chain that matches demand in a timely and customized manner. The aerospace industry particularly has long been at the forefront of technological innovation, consistently pushing the boundaries of what is possible in aviation. In the era of Industry 4.0, the aerospace sector is witnessing a transformative shift.
Among the technologies driving Industry 4.0 in aerospace, Metal Additive Manufacturing (MAM) stands out prominently [
23,
24,
25]. Its capability for on-demand production makes it a key player in this new industrial era [
26]. MAM allows for the creation of metal objects layer by layer, based on digital designs [
27]. It offers the potential for decentralized production [
28], rapid prototyping [
29,
30,
31], customization [
32,
33], and reduced lead times [
34,
35]. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive review of the impact of MAM in Industry 4.0 aerospace, while also outlining a research agenda to address the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
MAM in the aerospace industry offers two crucial characteristics that contribute to higher performance: i. freedom of geometry [
36] and ii. absence of tooling [
37,
38]. The freedom of geometry feature allows the production of highly complex shapes and structures without incurring additional costs, making it particularly advantageous for achieving lightweight parts in aerospace. Extensive discussions in the literature have emphasized this aspect and its potential benefits [
23,
26,
39,
40]. Conversely, the absence of tooling offers increased flexibility and enables just-in-time production, yet it has received limited attention in the literature [
41]. However, this aspect holds great relevance to the core objective of Industry 4.0, which aims to prevent overproduction and effectively match demand with supply [
18]. Addressing this aspect is crucial in leveraging the potential of MAM to optimize production processes and enhance supply chain management in the aerospace industry.
It is crucial to briefly discuss the relevance of MAM to the aerospace industry in comparison to conventional methods.
Figure 1 presents a comparison between MAM and conventional manufacturing, focusing on unit cost optimality [
23]. This comparison is based on two crucial factors: production volume and product complexity. In terms of production volume, it is well-established that AM exhibit cost-effectiveness for the production of small batches [
42,
43,
44]. On the other hand, an inherent advantage of AM lies in its ability to handle complexity during the manufacturing process [
45]. This unique capability allows for the creation of innovative designs, resulting in improved performance while reducing overall system mass. Such achievements are beyond the reach of conventional manufacturing methods. Moreover, the design approach of AM facilitates weight lightning through both component consolidation and enhanced technical efficiency [
46]. Part consolidation is yet another area where AM stands out [
47,
48]. This process involves redesigning multiple interacting components into a single integrated system, resulting in substantial improvements in technical performance. The optimality of AM in terms of unit cost is evident when considering production volume and product complexity. Its ability to handle complexity, coupled with the absence of tooling enabling it to economically produce small batches, make AM a valuable technology with vast potential for various industries.
When examining its alignment with the typical product life cycle [
49], see
Figure 1, the impact of MAM on the aerospace industry can be classified into four major domains. Firstly, MAM has the potential to reduce the risk of failure during new product introductions by enabling faster and more efficient iterations without the need for costly moulds [
29]. Secondly, MAM effectively isolates personalization from the market during the growth stage, either through series combination [
50] or in parallel with conventional manufacturing methods [
51,
52]. The third domain involves the strategic utilization of MAM during the maturity stage to prevent stockout events by complementing conventional production planning and inventory control techniques [
53]. Lastly, MAM can be effectively employed to manage variability in demand, particularly in the spare parts industry of aerospace [
51]. Throughout the entire aerospace product life cycle, MAM can be distinctly applied to optimize supply and demand, thereby paving the way for the next industrial revolution in the aerospace sector. This paper adopts this categorization while examining the impact of MAM on the aerospace industry to enable the realization of Industry 4.0.
Figure 2.
Alignment of MAM to the product life cycle in relation to Industry 4.0 (figure constructed based on [
49]).
Figure 2.
Alignment of MAM to the product life cycle in relation to Industry 4.0 (figure constructed based on [
49]).
This paper aims to cluster and review the literature on MAM in the aerospace industry, specifically focusing on its relevance to Industry 4.0 and its applicability throughout the various stages of the product life cycle. To achieve this, the paper adheres to a structured organization as follows:
Section 1 provides an introduction to the topic of MAM in aerospace, emphasizing its significance in the context of Industry 4.0. In
Section 2, a review is conducted, exploring the intersection of MAM and Industry 4.0 within the aerospace domain. This section is further divided into four subsections, each dedicated to reviewing distinct streams of relevant literature based on the described product life cycle stages. The subsections aim to identify gaps in the existing research, thereby paving the way for further investigation by outlining the research agenda for each reviewed area. Finally, Section 4 concludes the paper with a summary of key findings and concluding remarks, summarizing the significance of MAM in aerospace and its implications for Industry 4.0.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a review of the literature highlights the significant potential of MAM in advancing the aerospace industry by addressing the challenges of balancing demand with supply within the context of Industry 4.0. By leveraging MAM technology, aerospace manufacturers can embrace Industry 4.0 principles and enhance their competitiveness in an evolving market. The four major rollout scenarios discussed in the literature offer promising avenues for utilizing MAM in strategic ways to optimize production processes, reduce risks, and improve service levels.
The first rollout scenario focuses on employing AM to reduce the risk of failure for new product introduction. By utilizing AM during the development phase, aerospace companies can leverage the technology's design flexibility and rapid prototyping capabilities to optimize the performance of innovative aerospace products. This approach enables faster iterations, enhanced customization, and improved reliability, reducing the risk of failure and ensuring successful market entry of new products. The second rollout scenario emphasizes the use of AM to isolate personalization in the aerospace industry. AM's ability to produce complex geometries and intricate designs makes it ideal for creating personalized components, such as aircraft interior elements. By utilizing AM to manufacture personalized parts while relying on conventional methods for standardized components, aerospace manufacturers can strike a balance between customization and standardization, meeting diverse customer needs while maintaining efficiency and standardization. The third rollout scenario discusses the use of AM to prevent stockout events and ensure higher service levels in terms of part availability. AM's on-demand production capability enables aerospace manufacturers to produce spare parts as needed, minimizing the risk of stockouts and ensuring timely availability. By leveraging AM for high-demand, low-volume parts, and conventional methods for high-volume, stable-demand parts, companies can optimize their production processes, enhance service levels, and meet customer expectations more effectively. The fourth rollout scenario highlights the application of AM in isolating demand variability in the spare parts sector. By employing AM to produce parts with volatile demand and utilizing conventional manufacturing methods for parts with stable demand, aerospace companies can effectively manage inventory and optimize resource allocation. This approach reduces lead times, minimizes inventory costs, and ensures the availability of critical spare parts, enhancing customer satisfaction and reducing stockout events.
Practical implications of the reviewed study on the use of MAM in the aerospace industry include enhanced production efficiency, improved customer satisfaction, cost reduction, inventory optimization, and facilitating the transition to Industry 4.0. By strategically implementing MAM in areas such as risk reduction for new product introduction or personalization isolation, aerospace manufacturers can streamline their development processes, reduce lead times, and optimize resource allocation, ultimately improving overall production efficiency. Furthermore, the ability to deliver customized components and ensure the timely availability of critical spare parts through MAM helps meet individual customer needs, enhance experiences, and strengthen relationships, leading to improved customer satisfaction. Cost reductions and improved inventory management can be achieved by leveraging MAM for personalized or low-volume parts, minimizing inventory costs, and optimizing stock levels
The present work however acknowledges several limitations. Technological constraints exist despite the advancements made in MAM. Factors such as limited build size, material choices, surface finish, and production speed may impact the scalability and suitability of AM for large-scale production in the aerospace industry. Cost considerations are also important, as the initial investment and operational costs associated with MAM can be substantial, potentially posing financial barriers for smaller aerospace companies. Furthermore, the certification and regulatory compliance requirements in the aerospace industry add complexity. Validating and certifying MAM processes and ensuring compliance with industry standards can be time-consuming and resource-intensive. Skill and knowledge development are vital, as successful implementation of MAM requires personnel with expertise in both MAM and aerospace engineering. Finally, the unique considerations and requirements of the aerospace industry should be taken into account, as findings from this study may not be directly transferable to other industries due to aerospace-specific factors such as safety, certification, and quality standards.
Addressing these limitations requires further research, and collaboration among industry stakeholders, academia, and regulatory bodies. Overcoming technological constraints, optimizing cost-effectiveness, streamlining certification processes, developing skilled workforces, and adapting findings to industry-specific needs are essential steps. By addressing these challenges and leveraging the potential of MAM, the aerospace industry can harness its benefits to drive innovation, improve efficiency, and navigate the evolving landscape of aerospace manufacturing.