Manufacturing Technology

This research examines and evaluates the possible impacts and chances of the blockchain technology regarding the digitalization and efficiency enhancement of manufacturing processes. In combination with the Internet of Things (IoT), the blockchain technology can further enable end-to-end digital integration of manufacturing enterprises as well as the manufacturing process itself. Fields of application include the securing of information and products to be exchanged among enterprises (‘digital supply chain’), the protection of sensible intellectual property and data, and enabling a more efficient and secure manufacturing process. Highlighting these fields as important for any manufacturing organization, a specific focus of the thesis will be on enterprises using additive manufacturing processes. Due to its digital nature and the increasing importance of industrial 3D-printing, the blockchain technology could potentially be the key for the mass adoption of this manufacturing technology.