This paper addresses supply chain transparency improvement in a triadic manufacturersupplier-
supplier relationship. It investigates the problem of improving transparency using
a set of interviews; then, a detailed problematization and a simulation model is formulated
based on the results. The interview results show that there are two key issues to be considered:
information systems issues related directly to transparency and capability issues related
to utilizing transparency. The simulation results support developing capabilities by illustrating
the effects of different options for coordinating material flow. The results of the study
also indicate that while solutions to improve transparency can be relatively straightforward
to implement, developing the capability to benefit from it can be more challenging, even in
a well-established close partnership. In addition, suppliers may be hesitant to collaborate
without active manufacturer involvement.
Mortar feedstock is extruded to form bead and it is selectively placed line by line in the material extrusion additive manufacturing. With respects to part building process healthiness, load-supporting ability of overlaid beads is emphasized as buildability. Buildability is primarily dependent on thixotropic properties of feedstock and vertical overlapping schedule. In the present study, water-to-binder (w/b) ratio was chosen as material aspect to assess buildability. Uneven bead shape evolution and premature failure were highlighted owing to low yield stress of high w/b ratio feedstock. Feedstock with optimum w/b ratio showed good buildability even at the interval time of 19 sec.