Summary: | Combining the knowledge about additive manufacturing technologies available in the literature with the results of empirical research in Polish manufacturing enterprises, regarding the implementation of AM, using the Bayesian network, will allow the recent demand for AM technologies to be defined in the context of an industry’s needs. The main purpose of the study is to build a new model that integrates: (1) knowledge about the implementation of AM in manufacturing companies, gained from the literature, (2) knowledge about the demands and state of the use of AM from 250 Polish metal and automotive manufacturing enterprises, and (3) Bayesian networks. The results reveal that the model developed is able to accurately detect the key determinants of the implementation process of AM technologies within a manufacturing company and identify the specific requirements for the further implementation of additive technologies. The freshness of our work is defining the demand for AM technology based on the knowledge gained from literature and knowledge received through empirical study. The possibilities of using the results of research in economic practice were demonstrated. This new approach can be treated as a solution, which will both direct and help mangers to take the decision to implement AM technologies.
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