{"status":"ok","message-type":"work","message-version":"1.0.0","message":{"indexed":{"date-parts":[[2025,10,30]],"date-time":"2025-10-30T07:10:12Z","timestamp":1761808212269},"reference-count":60,"publisher":"IGI Global","issue":"2","content-domain":{"domain":[],"crossmark-restriction":false},"short-container-title":[],"published-print":{"date-parts":[[2018,7]]},"abstract":"<jats:p>3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is becoming the industry standard for manufacturing and prototyping. Although the technology is very old, it gained a huge traction in the past two decades. 3D printing favors unique once-off orders (mass customization) in contrast to mass production. This calls for innovative business models in order to realize economic gains from the technology. Increased product innovations in the global economy also contribute to wide adoption of 3D printing unlike in the old days. A transition in the manufacturing field has brought e-manufacturing and now cloud-based manufacturing. Machines, including 3D printers, in the past were not Internet-enabled but modern designs have the capability of Internet connectivity. Cloud-based 3D printing is a new model of design that has a significant impact on today's entrepreneurs. This article focuses on a business case for a cloud-based approach in consumer product niches. A cloud-based 3D printing business model (3D-Cloud) is developed based on the business model canvas, which promises major breakthroughs in e-entrepreneurship innovation. The model uses a virtual community approach to bring together technocrats, enthusiasts, and shared 3D printer facilities of common interests, whilst promoting an enterprising spirit.<\/jats:p>","DOI":"10.4018\/ijeei.2018070103","type":"journal-article","created":{"date-parts":[[2018,8,8]],"date-time":"2018-08-08T13:16:10Z","timestamp":1533734170000},"page":"25-43","source":"Crossref","is-referenced-by-count":6,"title":["Cloud Based 3D Printing Business Modeling in the Digital Economy"],"prefix":"10.4018","volume":"8","author":[{"given":"Norman","family":"Gwangwava","sequence":"first","affiliation":[{"name":"Botswana International University of Science and Technology, Palapye, Botswana"}],"role":[{"role":"author","vocabulary":"crossref"}]},{"given":"Albert U","family":"Ude","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"Botswana International University of Science and Technology, Palapye, Botswana"}],"role":[{"role":"author","vocabulary":"crossref"}]},{"given":"Enock","family":"Ogunmuyiwa","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"Botswana International University of Science and Technology, Palapye, Botswana"}],"role":[{"role":"author","vocabulary":"crossref"}]},{"given":"Richard","family":"Addo-Tenkorang","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"CIP, MP, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark"}],"role":[{"role":"author","vocabulary":"crossref"}]}],"member":"2432","reference":[{"key":"IJEEI.2018070103-0","author":"D. A.Aaker","year":"1996","journal-title":"Building Strong Brands"},{"key":"IJEEI.2018070103-1","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1302\/2058-5241.1.000012"},{"key":"IJEEI.2018070103-2","unstructured":"Baumann, F. (2017). 3D Printing-as-a-Service for Collaborative Engineering. Retrieved from https:\/\/elib.uni-stuttgart.de\/bitstream\/11682\/9356\/5\/baumann-thesis-17.pdf"},{"key":"IJEEI.2018070103-3","unstructured":"Baumann, F., & Roller, D. (2016). 3D Printing Process Pipeline on the Internet. In 8th ZEUS Workshop, Vienna, Austria (Vol. 1562, pp. 29-36). Retrieved May 14, 2018, from https:\/\/pdfs.semanticscholar.org\/d8c0\/ff8bd94a6df4468f64f8bc860cde2d074fe5.pdf"},{"key":"IJEEI.2018070103-4","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.3390\/jmmp1020015"},{"key":"IJEEI.2018070103-5","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1016\/j.bushor.2011.11.003"},{"key":"IJEEI.2018070103-6","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Birtchnell, T., & Hoyle, W. (2014). 3D Printing for Development in the Global South: The 3D4D Challenge. Basingstoke, UK: Palgrave Macmillan. Retrieved May 18, 2018, from http:\/\/ro.uow.edu.au\/cgi\/viewcontent.cgi?article=2298&context=sspapers","DOI":"10.1057\/9781137365668_2"},{"key":"IJEEI.2018070103-7","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1016\/j.futures.2013.03.005"},{"key":"IJEEI.2018070103-8","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1016\/j.techfore.2015.07.024"},{"key":"IJEEI.2018070103-9","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Bowyer, A. (2014). 3D Printing and Humanity\u2019s First Imperfect Replicator. 3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing, 1(1), 4\u20135.","DOI":"10.1089\/3dp.2013.0003"},{"key":"IJEEI.2018070103-10","unstructured":"Business for Social Responsibility (BSR). (2015). 3-D Printing: Sustainability Opportunities and Challenges. Retrieved April 25, 2018, from https:\/\/www.bsr.org\/reports\/BSR-Report-3D-Printing-Sustainability-Opportunities-Challenges-2015.pdf"},{"key":"IJEEI.2018070103-11","unstructured":"Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Wisonsin-Madison. (2016). Winter 2016 Newsletter. Retrieved from https:\/\/www.engr.wisc.edu\/app\/uploads\/2016\/04\/me-winter-2016-newsletter.pdf"},{"key":"IJEEI.2018070103-12","unstructured":"Ford, S., & Minshall, T. (2017). 3D printing in teaching and education: A review of where and how it is used. Retrieved May 5, 2018, from https:\/\/www.researchgate.net\/publication\/320617391_3D_printing_in_teaching_and_education_A_review_of_where_and_how_it_is_used"},{"key":"IJEEI.2018070103-13","unstructured":"Frauenfelder, M. (2014). Make: Ultimate Guide to 3D Printing 2014. Sebastopol, CA: Maker Media."},{"key":"IJEEI.2018070103-14","author":"A.Gibb","year":"2014","journal-title":"Building Open Source Hardware: DIY Manufacturing for Hackers and Makers"},{"key":"IJEEI.2018070103-15","first-page":"29","article-title":"3D Printing Technology in Education Environment.","author":"N.Grujovi\u2019c","year":"2011","journal-title":"Proceedings of the 34th International Conference on Production Engineering"},{"key":"IJEEI.2018070103-16","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1111\/j.1756-2171.2006.tb00039.x"},{"key":"IJEEI.2018070103-17","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1287\/mnsc.1120.1577"},{"key":"IJEEI.2018070103-18","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1016\/j.sbspro.2015.06.167"},{"key":"IJEEI.2018070103-19","unstructured":"Horaczek, S. (2018). Nike hacked a 3D printer to make its new shoe for elite marathon runners. Popsci. Retrieved from https:\/\/www.popsci.com\/nike-3d-printed-sneakers"},{"key":"IJEEI.2018070103-20","unstructured":"Hvilsom, L. (2012). A study of understandings and interpretations of business models and a single case study of Liz Claiborne [thesis]. Copenhagen Business School. Retrieved from http:\/\/studenttheses.cbs.dk\/bitstream\/handle\/10417\/3850\/line_hvilsom.pdf?sequence=1"},{"key":"IJEEI.2018070103-21","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.18260\/p.24033"},{"key":"IJEEI.2018070103-22","unstructured":"Jamie, D. (2018). The 11 Best 3D Printed House Companies \u2013 3D Printing Entire Buildings. https:\/\/www.3dnatives.com\/en\/3d-printed-house-companies-120220184\/"},{"key":"IJEEI.2018070103-23","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1016\/j.techfore.2017.01.006"},{"key":"IJEEI.2018070103-24","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1017\/S026357471000069X"},{"key":"IJEEI.2018070103-25","unstructured":"Knill, O., & Slavkovsky, E. (2013). Visualizing mathematics using 3D printers. In C. Fonda, E. Canessa & M. Zennaro (Eds.), Low-Cost 3D Printing for science, education and Sustainable Development. International Centre for Theoretical Physics."},{"key":"IJEEI.2018070103-26","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1002\/9780470618813"},{"issue":"2","key":"IJEEI.2018070103-27","first-page":"17","article-title":"3D printing brings designs to life.","volume":"70","author":"G.Lacey","year":"2010","journal-title":"Tech Directions"},{"key":"IJEEI.2018070103-28","unstructured":"LaSelle, R. (2017). Meeting mass customization demands with 3D printing. Jabil. Retrieved from https:\/\/www.jabil.com\/insights\/blog-main\/meeting-mass-customization-demands-with-3d-printing.html"},{"key":"IJEEI.2018070103-29","unstructured":"Lipson, H. (2007). Printable 3D models for customized hands-on education. Paper presented atMass Customization and Personalization (MCPC), Cambridge, MA."},{"key":"IJEEI.2018070103-30","unstructured":"MaRS. (2012). Fundamentals of entrepreneurial management: Workbook 2 Business Model Design. Retrieved from https:\/\/www.marsdd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/Business-Model-Design-WorkbookGuide.pdf"},{"key":"IJEEI.2018070103-31","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1016\/j.ijpe.2013.07.008"},{"key":"IJEEI.2018070103-32","unstructured":"Moon, M. (2017). Boeing uses first FAA-approved 3D-printed parts for the 787. https:\/\/www.engadget.com\/2017\/04\/11\/boeing-faa-approved-3d-printed-metals-787\/"},{"key":"IJEEI.2018070103-33","author":"A.Osterwalder","year":"2010","journal-title":"Business Model Generation, A Handbook for Visionaries, Game Changers, and Challengers"},{"issue":"1","key":"IJEEI.2018070103-34","first-page":"1","article-title":"Clarifying Business Models: Origins, Present and Future of the Concept.","volume":"16","author":"A.Osterwalder","year":"2005","journal-title":"Communications of the Association for Information Systems"},{"key":"IJEEI.2018070103-35","unstructured":"Paulraj, T. (2014). Implementing Mass Customization Using SAP Variant Configuration and a 3D Printer [master\u2019s thesis]. Retrieved from https:\/\/www.tritonia.fi\/fi\/e-opinnaytteet\/tiivistelma\/6126\/Implementing+Mass+Customization+Using+SAP+Variant+Configuration+and+a+3D+Printer"},{"key":"IJEEI.2018070103-36","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.5539\/jsd.v3n4p17"},{"key":"IJEEI.2018070103-37","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.3390\/technologies5030045"},{"key":"IJEEI.2018070103-38","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.5437\/08956308X5606193"},{"key":"IJEEI.2018070103-39","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1007\/978-3-319-12304-2_4"},{"key":"IJEEI.2018070103-40","first-page":"34","author":"O.Ponfoort","year":"2014","journal-title":"Successful Business Models for 3D Printing: Seizing Opportunities with a Game Changing Technology"},{"key":"IJEEI.2018070103-41","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1080\/01930826.2014.893110"},{"key":"IJEEI.2018070103-42","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1016\/j.techfore.2015.07.023"},{"key":"IJEEI.2018070103-43","unstructured":"Recrosio, E. (2017). Benefits of 3D Printing: Mass Customization. https:\/\/www.sculpteo.com\/blog\/2017\/01\/11\/benefits-of-3d-printing-mass-customization\/"},{"key":"IJEEI.2018070103-44","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1115\/MSEC2016-8669"},{"key":"IJEEI.2018070103-45","unstructured":"Reports, G. E. (2017). 5 Ways GE Is Changing The World With 3D Printing. https:\/\/www.ge.com\/reports\/5-ways-ge-changing-world-3d-printing\/"},{"key":"IJEEI.2018070103-46","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.3390\/technologies6010030"},{"key":"IJEEI.2018070103-47","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1016\/j.jvlc.2015.01.004"},{"key":"IJEEI.2018070103-48","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1016\/j.jvlc.2015.01.004"},{"key":"IJEEI.2018070103-49","author":"J.Scott","year":"2012","journal-title":"Additive manufacturing: status and opportunities"},{"key":"IJEEI.2018070103-50","article-title":"RepRap: The Replicating Rapid Prototyper-Maximizing Customizability by Breeding the Means of Production.","author":"E.Sells","year":"2007","journal-title":"Proceedings of the World Conference on Mass Customization and Personalization"},{"key":"IJEEI.2018070103-51","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1016\/j.bushor.2004.10.014"},{"key":"IJEEI.2018070103-52","unstructured":"Slavkovsky, E. (2012). Feasibility study for teaching geometry and other topics using three-dimensional printers [thesis]. Harvard University."},{"key":"IJEEI.2018070103-53","unstructured":"3DSystems. (2015). 3D Printing helps jewelry start-up ride the mass customization wave. Retrieved from https:\/\/www.3dsystems.com\/learning-center\/case-studies\/3d-printing-helps-jewelry-start-ride-mass-customization-wave"},{"key":"IJEEI.2018070103-54","unstructured":"Szondy, D. (2017). Lockheed Martin using 3D-printed parts in military satellites. Newatlas. Retrieved from https:\/\/newatlas.com\/lockheed-martin-3d-printed-military-satellite\/48776\/"},{"key":"IJEEI.2018070103-55","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1016\/j.lrp.2009.07.003"},{"key":"IJEEI.2018070103-56","unstructured":"Uenlue, M. (2017). Platform business model [part 1]: the most revolutionary business model right now. Innovationtactics. Retrieved from http:\/\/www.innovationtactics.com\/platform-business-model-1\/"},{"issue":"10","key":"IJEEI.2018070103-57","first-page":"704","article-title":"Medical Applications for 3D Printing: Current and Projected Uses.","volume":"39","author":"C. L.Ventola","year":"2014","journal-title":"P&T"},{"key":"IJEEI.2018070103-58","unstructured":"Wall, M. (2018). Made in space sets Guinness World Record for Longest 3D-Printed Piece. Space. Retrieved from https:\/\/www.space.com\/39790-made-in-space-3d-printing-guinness-world-records.html"},{"key":"IJEEI.2018070103-59","volume":"2016","author":"T.Wohlers","year":"2016","journal-title":"Wohlers Report"}],"container-title":["International Journal of E-Entrepreneurship and Innovation"],"original-title":[],"language":"en","link":[{"URL":"https:\/\/www.igi-global.com\/viewtitle.aspx?TitleId=211138","content-type":"unspecified","content-version":"vor","intended-application":"similarity-checking"}],"deposited":{"date-parts":[[2022,5,6]],"date-time":"2022-05-06T12:11:01Z","timestamp":1651839061000},"score":1,"resource":{"primary":{"URL":"http:\/\/services.igi-global.com\/resolvedoi\/resolve.aspx?doi=10.4018\/IJEEI.2018070103"}},"subtitle":[""],"short-title":[],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2018,7]]},"references-count":60,"journal-issue":{"issue":"2"},"URL":"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.4018\/ijeei.2018070103","relation":{},"ISSN":["1947-8585","1947-8593"],"issn-type":[{"value":"1947-8585","type":"print"},{"value":"1947-8593","type":"electronic"}],"subject":[],"published":{"date-parts":[[2018,7]]}}}