What is the breakdown of the 70% cost incurred during the construction industry's manufacturing process?5 answersAround 70% of costs in the construction industry are incurred during the manufacturing process, which involves subcontractors undertaking a significant portion of the project. This cost breakdown highlights the importance of optimizing work processes and reducing expenses throughout the supply chain. The integration of design, manufacturing, and construction is crucial for cost efficiency, with potential savings of 10-20% theoretically achievable through process optimization. The use of Building Information Modelling (BIM) can enhance cost control by providing detailed information and analytical capabilities, although challenges exist in aligning formal cost models with the informal negotiation aspects of subcontracting and project delivery. Therefore, a systemic change in costing processes, focusing on new representations of cost that better reflect work done in the supply chain, is proposed to enable meaningful and measurable improvements.
What are the costs for materials for 3d printing?4 answersThe costs for materials for 3D printing vary depending on the type of material used. In one study, a material for 3D printing was developed using HDPE, EVA, inorganic filler, dispersant, surfactant, and lubricant, which resulted in a low-cost and environmentally friendly material. Another study compared the costs of different plastics manufacturing processes, including 3D printing. It found that the specific energy consumption for 3D printing ranged from 5.28 to 16.5 kWh/kg, depending on the printer used. Additionally, a 3D printing building material was prepared using various raw materials, including water slag powder, fly ash powder, cement powder, and admixture solution, resulting in a low-cost material that utilized industrial waste. The costs of printing materials for 3D printing can vary depending on the type of material and the specific process used.
What is the average cost of 3D printing?5 answersThe average cost of 3D printing varies depending on the application. In the context of mandibular advancement devices (MAD) for obstructive sleep apnea, traditional MADs have a mean cost of $933, while a 3D printed MAD has a total cost of $150, resulting in a significant cost reduction of 84%. For cranioplasty procedures, using a 3D printer to create a patient-specific 3D model for preoperative shaping of a titanium mesh can result in a cost reduction of $4000 to $5500 compared to other options. In liver transplantation, the cost of 3D printing a model of the intra-abdominal cavity is approximately $1.6, with a median time of 576 minutes. In the field of radiology, the total cost of in-hospital 3D printing of anatomic models is $2,737 per model, with an estimated procedure time saved of 29.9 minutes. In orthopaedic surgery for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, the 3D printed guides have higher implant costs compared to traditional freehand techniques, with a mean cost of $26,215.
Are things cheaper to make when 3D printing?4 answersYes, 3D printing can make things cheaper to produce. An open-source design allows accurate rheometers to be made at home for a fraction of the cost of a traditional instrument. In the age of 3D printing, economies-of-one production models are replacing economies-of-scale production models, allowing for highly customizable products to be built layer by layer at a lower cost. A study found that using 3D printing to produce toys and games saved consumers over 75% of the cost of commercially available alternatives. Additionally, the use of shelled models filled with user-defined parametric cellular structures in Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) can save up to 30% in build material and build time. These examples demonstrate how 3D printing can reduce manufacturing costs and make production more affordable.
How can particle swarm optimization (PSO) be used to reduce manufacturing cost?5 answersParticle swarm optimization (PSO) can be used to reduce manufacturing cost by optimizing the parameters of the manufacturing process. PSO is an evolutionary algorithm that searches for the global optimum solution by adjusting each particle's moving vector based on personal and global best positions. It has been successfully applied in various fields, including manufacturing. By using PSO, the manufacturing process can be optimized to minimize costs while meeting quality and efficiency requirements. For example, in the study by Parouha, an Improved PSO (IPSO) algorithm was introduced to solve complex optimization problems in combined heat and power economic dispatch (CHPED). In another study by Islam, PSO was used to determine the best parameters for the design of a micro-grid system, resulting in lower production costs and reduced carbon dioxide emissions. Therefore, PSO provides an effective and flexible approach to optimize manufacturing processes and reduce manufacturing costs.
What is construction cost?5 answersConstruction cost refers to the expenses incurred in planning, designing, constructing, maintaining, and repairing physical facilities in the construction industry. It is a major factor that influences the choice and engagement of various processes and stakeholders in construction projects. Cost monitoring and control are crucial for the success of construction projects, as cost overruns can lead to unrealized profit margins. To enhance cost monitoring and control, construction firms need to integrate cost estimation and cost control processes, evaluate performance through output reports, and establish coding systems. Analyzing the variance between budgeted and actual costs helps understand the impact of cost on project success. Effective construction price management is essential for managing construction projects and ensuring the actual results align with expectations. Advanced technologies like BIM and neural network models can improve the accuracy and application of cost estimation and prediction models, leading to strict cost control and increased profits for construction companies.