Mass production has been one of the pillars of modern industry since the Second Industrial Revolution. Thanks to this model, companies all over the world have been able to manufacture products in large quantities, reducing costs and standardising processes. Today, with the emergence of new technologies such as 3D printing, mass production is undergoing a new revolution, especially in sectors that demand customised parts or on-demand manufacturing.
Definition and concept of mass production
Mass production, also known as serial production model or chain production, is a manufacturing system in which large quantities of the same product are produced through repetitive, mechanised processes. What does mass production mean? It implies that products are manufactured in a standardised way, with tasks divided into stations within a serial production line, allowing for greater efficiency and lower unit cost.
When did mass production emerge?
Mass production becomes established at the beginning of the 20th century, although its antecedents date back to the Industrial Revolution. The model became popular with Henry Ford and his assembly-line automobile manufacturing system, also known as Fordism. This revolution in industrial production allowed vehicles to be manufactured more quickly and at affordable prices, marking a turning point in the history of the industry.
Characteristics of mass production
The main features of mass production include:
- High specialisation of tasks.
- Use of specific machinery for each stage of the process.
- Reduction of manufacturing time per unit.
- Lower unit cost in large productions.
- Increased efficiency in the supply chain.
This production system allows the production of identical products in large quantities, ensuring consistent quality and more thorough process control.
Industrial series production: our experience, advantages and limits
At Additium 3D we work on a daily basis with companies that need series productions efficient, scalable and of the highest quality. From technical components for industrial sectors to functional parts for end products, we have seen at first hand how mass production is a key tool for scaling projects and reducing costs. But we also know that it is not a one-size-fits-all solution: it has its pros and cons, and it You have to know when to apply it and when not to apply it.
Advantages of mass production (from our experience)
One of the biggest benefits we see in our work is economy of scale. For example, when an automotive customer asked us to produce a long series of parts for functional prototypes, we were able to optimise the process thanks to good initial preparation and the use of technical materials in industrial 3D printers. The cost per unit dropped dramatically as the volume increased, making a large-scale testing phase feasible without blowing the budget.
In addition, speed is a factor that is highly valued by our customers.. In sectors such as product design or architecture, where we have collaborated with studios that needed to iterate versions in a short time, 3D printing allows us to deliver series of parts in a matter of days. This would be unthinkable with traditional industrial processes, which take longer to set up.
Another great advantage is the consistent quality. By working with advanced technology and composite materials, we can ensure that all parts in the same series maintain the same mechanical and aesthetic properties, which is essential when it comes to functional or display applications.
Disadvantages (that we also experience on a daily basis)
However, mass production also has its limitsand at Additium 3D we are well aware of them. A clear example is the rigidity system: if a customer wants to make changes after production has started, it is necessary to adjust files, parameters and sometimes even rethink the strategy. This happens a lot in projects where the design is not yet 100% validated.
Another important aspect is the initial cost. Although 3D printing makes it possible to avoid expensive moulds and tooling, it does require a technical configuration phase - materials, supports, orientations, validations - which involves time and experience. We always explain this to our customers before starting a series production, because it's not all "print and go".
And finally, although we work with a sustainable mentality, the high volume production can generate waste, especially when supports are used or parts have to be discarded due to defects. That is why we propose solutions for each project to optimise materials, minimise errors and reduce the environmental footprint.
In which sectors is mass production used?
In a wide variety of industrial and commercial sectors, especially in those where it is required to manufacture large volumes of products efficiently, homogeneous and cost-effective. Some of the most representative sectors are:
1. Automotive industry
It is one of the most emblematic sectors. In fact, mass production as we know it today came into being with Henry Ford and the production of the Ford Model T at the beginning of the 20th century. Since then, the series production line has been refined to produce millions of vehicles a year, while maintaining very high quality standards.
2. Electronics and household appliances
Mobile phones, computers, televisions, washing machines or microwave ovens are manufactured using mass production processes that allow large quantities of units to be brought to market quickly, reducing costs and time.
3. Food industry
From beverages and canned goods to snacks or frozen products, mass production allows standardised processes to ensure food safety, traceability and constant supply to supermarkets and shops.
4. Pharmaceutical industry
The medicines and medical devices require highly controlled mass production processes, with very strict quality protocols. Automation makes it possible to comply with sanitary regulations and to supply worldwide.
5. Textile and fashion
Although there is a handcrafted part in the design, the manufacture of clothing, footwear or accessories is done through industrial mass production, especially for big brands and fast fashion chains.
6. Furniture and decoration sector
Many pieces of furniture are manufactured on automated lines that allow for repeat production. designs accurately, speeding up delivery and maintaining competitive prices.
7. Aerospace and defence
Here, series production is combined with customised production. Components such as structural parts or connectors are printed or machined in series with high precision.
8. Additive manufacturing or 3D printing
Increasingly, industrial sectors are turning to 3D printers for the mass production of technical parts, moulds, prototypes or even end products, especially when short series, customisation or reduced development times are required.
3D printing as an ally of mass production: 6 real-life examples that are changing the industry
At Additium 3D we have seen how 3D printing has become a great ally for mass production, transforming the way industrial products are manufactured. The flexibility and speed offered by this technology makes it possible to create complex parts with great precision, at a competitive cost and in much shorter times. Here are six real examples where 3D printing is revolutionising mass production:
1. Manufacture of automotive components
Companies in the automotive industry use 3D printers to produce functional parts such as brackets, ducts or structural elements in small and medium series. This speeds up prototyping and makes it possible to customise models without losing efficiency in series production.
2. Production of prostheses and medical devices
3D printing facilitates the mass production of customised prostheses and medical devices, tailored to the specific needs of each patient. This reduces lead times and improves the quality of the final product.
3. Aerospace industry
This sector takes advantage of the benefits of 3D printing to produce complex, lightweight parts in series production that meet high standards of strength and safety, something that traditional methods cannot always achieve cost-effectively.
4. Electronics and electronic components
3D printing is used to produce housings, connectors and internal parts for electronic devices, enabling faster and more flexible production without sacrificing precision or quality.
5. Fashion and footwear
Innovative brands are applying 3D printing to mass-produce customised footwear parts and accessories, combining design and functionality, and adapting to sustainable production trends.
6. Industrial moulds and tools
Many companies are using 3D printing to produce moulds and tools that are integrated into mass production lines, improving time and cost compared to traditional manufacturing methods.
These examples show that 3D printing is not only a technology for prototypes, but also a tool that drives and complements industrial series production, adapting to different sectors and needs.
Evolution of the mass production model: from Fordism to digital manufacturing
The mass production system has evolved steadily since its emergence. Fordism, characterised by rigidity and mass production, gave way to models such as Toyotism, which introduced greater flexibility and quality control. Today we are living in a new era: digital manufacturing.
This new industrial production model combines automation, artificial intelligence and technologies such as 3D printing. The main advantage is that it allows rapid adaptation to market needs, reducing costs and improving response times.
The importance of choosing a specialised technology provider
Adopting a serial production model based on 3D printing requires a reliable and experienced supplier. It is not just about printing parts, but also about ensuring the quality, repeatability and scalability of the processes.
At Additium 3D, we offer customised solutions for mass production with industrial 3D printers. We design, test and manufacture parts in composite materials that meet the technical standards of demanding sectors such as automotive, robotics or mechanical engineering.
Mass production reinvents itself with 3D printing
The concept of mass production has come a long way from its origins in the Industrial Revolution to its current transformation through additive manufacturing. What used to involve large investments, rigidity and uniformity can now be adapted to the needs of each customer with agility.
Thanks to 3D printing, the mass production model becomes more flexible, sustainable and efficient. At Additium 3D we work to make this evolution possible, accompanying companies seeking to produce better, faster and with less waste.
If you are looking for a supplier for series production, we provide you with not only the most advanced printing technology, but also the technical know-how to select the ideal materials for each application.
We help you to scale up your project from the first prototype to mass production, with tailor-made solutions that guarantee strength, functionality and precision in each part.
Because the industry of the future is already here, and it is 3D printed.
