View source for Distributed Manufacturing of Customizable 3-D-Printable Self-Adjustable Glasses



==Source==
* J. Gwamuri, B. T. Wittbrodt, N. C. Anzalone, J.M. Pearce. “[http://www.librelloph.com/challengesinsustainability/article/view/cis-2-1-30 Reversing the Trend of Large Scale and Centralization in Manufacturing: The Case of Distributed Manufacturing of Customizable 3-D-Printable Self-Adjustable Glasses]”, ''Challenges in Sustainability'' '''2'''(1), pp. 30-40 (2014). DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.12924/cis2014.02010030 [https://www.academia.edu/9747930/Reversing_the_Trend_of_Large_Scale_and_Centralization_in_Manufacturing_The_Case_of_Distributed_Manufacturing_of_Customizable_3-D-Printable_Self-Adjustable_Glasses open access]

[[image:Custom-glass.png|right|500px]]

==Abstract==
Although the trend in manufacturing has been towards centralization to leverage economies of scale, the recent rapid technical development of [[open-source 3-D printers]] enables low-cost distributed bespoke production. This paper explores the potential advantages of a distributed manufacturing model of high-value products by investigating the application of 3-D printing to self-refraction eyeglasses. A series of parametric 3-D printable designs is developed, fabricated and tested to overcome limitations identified with mass-manufactured self-correcting eyeglasses designed for the developing world's poor. By utilizing 3-D printable self-adjustable glasses, communities not only gain access to far more diversity in product design, as the glasses can be customized for the individual, but 3-D printing also offers the potential for significant cost reductions. The results show that distributed manufacturing with open-source 3-D printing can empower developing world communities through the ability to print less expensive and customized self-adjusting eyeglasses. This offers the potential to displace both centrally manufactured conventional and self-adjusting glasses while completely eliminating the costs of the conventional optics correction experience, including those of highly-trained optometrists and ophthalmologists and their associated equipment. Although, this study only analyzed a single product, it is clear that other products would benefit from the same approach in isolated regions of the developing world.

== Additional Information==
* [http://www.appropedia.org/Self-adjustable_glasses_literature_review Self-adjustable glasses literature review]
* [http://www.thingiverse.com/jpearce/collections/self-adjustable-glasses Collection of 3D printed glasses designs] - some may be useful ideas
* [http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:227794 Customizable glasses design for this paper]
* [[OpenSCAD]] files: [http://www.appropedia.org/Reversing_the_Trend_of_Large_Scale_and_Centralization_in_Manufacturing:_The_Case_of_Distributed_Manufacturing_of_Customizable_3-D-Printable_Self-Adjustable_Glasses]


==See also ==
* [[Open source 3-D printing of OSAT]]


[[Category:Manufacturing]]
[[Category:3D Printing]]