Global Stole secures future production through digitalisation and 3D printing
A critical component was digitised – giving the supply chain multiple paths forward
Measurable results
How much Global Stole has saved
%
time
%
CO₂e
From a vulnerable single supplier to digital production readiness
What do you do when production depends on one component from one supplier-and there are no drawings that others can manufacture from? For Global Stole, the answer was to digitise the component and make 3D printing a strategic backup. This reduced the risk of production stoppages and provided a more flexible and robust production setup.
The case: Overview and context
Global Stole was in a classic, yet critical situation. A plastic component for one of the company’s products was manufactured exclusively by a single external supplier in Denmark. At the same time, the company had neither 2D nor 3D drawings of the component.
If the supplier could not deliver, there was therefore no straightforward way to move production. This created a risk of production stoppages, made it difficult to establish backup capacity, and limited flexibility in the supply chain.
The challenge was not only about producing a new component. It was about establishing production readiness that could be activated quickly, without Global Stole first having to invest in new mould tooling.
By 3D scanning and digitising the component, Global Stole established a digital production basis. The digital model can be sent to relevant manufacturers and makes it possible to produce the component in multiple locations when the need arises.
As a backup, the component was adapted for SLS printing in glass-fibre-reinforced PA12. The solution enables production with more than ten potential suppliers in Europe and globally-without the use of mould tooling.
3D printing does not necessarily replace existing series production. Instead, the technology serves as a flexible supplement that can be activated if the normal supply is disrupted.
Results from programmes with Dansk AM Hub
- Backup production capacity, ready to be activated in the event of supplier failure.
- Reduction of lead time from 15 to 10 days in emergency situations.
- Greater supply robustness with suppliers distributed across multiple countries
Value and impact for the company
The 3D-printed component has a higher unit cost than a traditionally moulded component. Therefore, the business value lies primarily not in a lower unit cost, but in the risk the company can reduce.
With a digital production basis and multiple potential suppliers, Global Stole is less vulnerable to disruptions at a single provider. At the same time, the company has gained a solution that can be scaled as needed and activated without a new investment in tooling.
This makes security of supply something that can be planned and managed-rather than something that only has to be dealt with when a critical delivery fails to arrive.
About the company
Advansor
Location
Ulstrup, Central Jutland
Number of employees
27
Info
Global Stole is a Danish manufacturer of chairs and stools. The company was founded in 1973 and works with Danish design and production.
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