3D Printing
| A patent has surfaced showing Amazon's plans to create 3D printing delivery trucks that actually print products in the truck on the way to be delivered. The document shows just how far the company is willing to go to speed up delivery times. |
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Amazon has announced many ambitious projects in the past year, most of which have gained substantial attention and buzz. The projects getting most of the press coverage are the internet giant's proposal to use drones to deliver products and making a number of TV pilots, but very recently, another project was announced informally through a new patent that Amazon filed. So far, it is believed that Amazon plans to create (and patent) 3D-printing delivery trucks. Is this a wild idea, or a stroke of genius?
Entering the Industry
The patent, called "Providing Services Related to Item Delivery via 3D Manufacturing on Demand”, is essentially an effort to deliver 3D printed items manufactured on a truck to customers who ordered any given printed item. 3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is a process in which three dimensional objects can be printed from a CAD (computer aided design) file. Being a newly commercial and disruptive technology, it makes sense that a diversified company such as Amazon wants to get into the industry.The Plan
It should be made clear that the 3D printing trucks that Amazon is proposing will double as delivery trucks. The patent lays out a sequential series of steps in regards to how this process will likely happen: first, a customer places an authorized order, the 3D printable order is sent to the manufacturing and delivery truck that is most proximal to the customer, and the item is produced en route and delivered once complete.| Related articles |
, rather than just plastic.Will this Truly Lead to Better Logistics and Customer Service?
There is speculation that 3D printed items may be manufactured and sent to customers without them even ordering them—Amazon has stated a desire to do this with other items based upon one's search history. In addition to trying to expedite the delivery process, Amazon is also doing this to save valuable warehouse space. In addition to being delivered, an individual could pick up an item from an Amazon Locker. This service could be used for both recreational items and needs. Amazon provided the example of a faucet handle being broken, and ordering a new 3D printed one seamlessly through a smartphone.It is hard to know when this service may come to fruition. The patent was filed with the Patent and Trademark Office in late 2013, but the application was published just now. Amazon has declined to comment on the matter to news sources, so they might try to keep it under wraps for a little longer.
Although the technology is there, it would take a lot to get this service up and running. Only time will prove the validity and success of this wild idea, and as time passes, this allows other companies the opportunity to jump on the 3D printing and delivery idea. Whether or not Amazon has competition in this endeavor, they will have plenty of work ahead of them to bring this idea to fruition.
The information for this article was provided by the professionals at 99 Truck Parts & Industrial Equipment Ltd., who provide truck parts in Langley.
The information for this article was provided by the professionals at 99 Truck Parts & Industrial Equipment Ltd., who provide truck parts in Langley.
By Dixie Somers | Embed |
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