PRE-PUBLICATION DRAFT Proposed classification scheme for direct writing technologies MORTARA, L., HUGHES, J., RAMSUNDAR, P., LIVESEY, F. & PROBERT, D. 2009. Proposed classification scheme for direct writing technologies. Rapid Prototyping Journal, 15, 299-309. 1 Title Page Proposed classification scheme for direct writing technologies MORTARA*, L., HUGHES*, J., RAMSUNDAR*, P., LIVESEY*, F. & PROBERT*, D. *Institute for Manufacturing, University of Cambridge Structured Abstract Purpose: This paper proposes and discusses a definition and a classification scheme for Direct Writing (DW) technologies. Approach/methodology: Both the definition and the classification were developed based on the perspectives of the growing DW community in the UK, through consultation with members, workshops and a survey across the community. In addition current DW technologies and literature on classification techniques were reviewed. Findings: The classification was structured in order to encompass current technologies, but also to be expandable to accommodate new ones that could be identified in the future as belonging to the DW remit. It was developed considering three dimensions related to DW: (i) ‘Technology’ to encompass all the processes, apparatuses, principles and tools which allow DW manufacturing; (ii) ‘Applications’ to consider all the ‘types of manufactured goods’ which could be produced with the DW technologies and (iii) ‘Materials’ which could be employed in DW manufacturing. The classification scheme was visualised into navigation maps and used as the basis of a software tool which can allow the community to exchange information on DW. Research limitations: The paper proposes a classification as a tool for knowledge exchange and support for organising and retrieving. However, the one proposed in this paper might not be the only possible solution. Practical implications/value: The definitional framework was proposed to the DW community as a language tool to help communication among members with different perspectives and to be used to support the creation of information databases. It was transformed in an electronic tool through which they could file personal profiles (i.e. their expertise and interests) and hence map the community. Originality: It was evident that, due to the heterogeneity of the community of scientists and practitioners interested in these technologies, many perspectives coexisted and that a communication platform was required. The authors decided to develop a classification which could be flexible enough to encompass new emerging technologies as the use of classifications as tools for supporting communication across the scientific community is well known and as the authors couldn't identify in literature any other Direct Writing technology classification which could satisfy these requirements.