Browsing by Author "Bezuidenhout, Leri"
Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
Results Per Page
Sort Options
- ItemEmerging technologies: commercial readiness index(CRI) for medical additive manufacturing(AM)(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2017-12) Bezuidenhout, Leri; Van der Merwe, A. F.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Engineering. Dept. of Industrial Engineering.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Technology Readiness Level (TRL) has been widely used as a measure of technology maturity. However, TRL is not necessarily a good indicator of commercial readiness. In the renewable energy sector a Commercial Readiness Index (CRI) is used where only a technology with a high TRL qualifies for commercial readiness. Similarly TRL is used to measure the maturity of Additive Manufacturing (AM) technologies. This research proposes a Commercial Readiness Index (CRI) for Additive Manufacturing. A case-study on maxillofacial Ti6Al4V implants manufactured with AM is referred to in this study. The Centre for Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturing (CRPM) has been accredited to manufacture implants according to ISO13485. The commercialization of this manufacturing process is currently in the ramp-up phase. The commercial sustainability of the manufacturing process still needs to be valued. This research uses as a base the Commercial Readiness Index (CRI) assessment, created by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) (2014a; De Jager 2017). The ARENA CRI is modified to apply to AM by using the analysis and synthesis approach. The CRI is divided into several independent indicators assessing various commercial aspects, and then they are combined into a single commercial index. Therefore, the CRI is compiled from commercial indicators: Regulatory Environment, Stakeholder Acceptance, Clinical Performance, Technical Performance, Financial Performance – Cost, Financial Proposition – Revenue, Funding, Industry Supply Chain and Skills, Market Opportunities and Company Maturity. A diverse group of 17 experts assisted in defining maturity in each of the commercial indicators. The compiled results are presented. The value of this research lies in the ability for investors to now assess the commercial viability of using AM in a specific product line. AM is considered a disruptive and emerging technology designated to replace conventional manufacturing processes. The outcome of this research is a suggested framework showing the Commercial Readiness Index (CRI) of the business process if the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) is matured. The two methods are compared and the result is that there exists a relation between the CRI and the TRL. The TRL can be used to assist in determining the CRI of the project. However, the certain indicators that determine the CRI are not dependent on TRL. The qualitative process used to determine the CRI will help decision makers formulate and implement innovative strategies within the complete product life cycle of this case study. The CRI tool aims at helping Small, Medium and Micro-sized Enterprises (SMME’s) to take their product to the market. This would mean more people embracing AM and enabling the average person to become economically active in the AM industry in South Africa.