ACCA Applied Knowledge · Business and Technology · Technological factors
A manufacturer uses 3D printing to produce prototype parts in-house rather than ordering them from an external toolmaker. Which operational change is most likely?
Shorter product development lead times are most likely, because prototypes can be printed and revised in-house without waiting for an external toolmaker. 3D printing favours small customised batches, not mass-production economies, and it tends to reduce rather than increase warehousing needs.
- AShorter product development lead timesCorrect
- BHigher economies of scale from mass production
- CGreater need for large finished goods warehouses
Explanation
In-house 3D printing lets prototypes be made quickly and changed easily, shortening development time. It suits small, customised runs rather than mass-production scale economies, and it reduces rather than raises the need for large stocks of finished goods.
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