I wrote before that 3D printing is an industrial-strength tape for your business. By treating our technology as an impromptu tool that can be used to solve problems, I can indeed unlock a lot of value for customers. However, this idea also obscures some valuable trends. By treating each improvised 3D printed part as a duck belt, you obscure the fact that very interesting developments have occurred.

       One of the things I don't know about these developments is the use of 3D printing as a lock-out and tag-out tool (LOTO). LOTO is a physical lock used to disable dangerous machines, so they cannot be restarted if the correct procedures are not followed. This may be a temporary measure. Prevent people from accidentally or unintentionally starting dangerous machines during repairs. Or it can be permanent because it is an industry-wide practice, compulsory by law or safer in this way. Normally, the LOTO tool is placed on the circuit breaker and the machine must be prevented from starting unless the necessary procedures are followed.

       "lockout is to isolate the energy from the system (machine, equipment or process) and physically lock the system in a safe mode. The energy isolation device can be a manually operated isolation switch, circuit breaker, line valve or block (note: button , Selector switches and other circuit control switches are not regarded as energy isolation devices.) In most cases, these devices will have loops or tabs that can be locked on fixed objects in a safe position (power-off position). Locked The device (or locking device) can be any device that can fix the energy isolation device in a safe position.

       "Tagout is a marking process that is always used when locking is required. The process of marking the system involves attaching or using information tags or indicators (usually standardized tags) containing the following information:

       "Note: Only authorized personnel who place locks and tags on the system can be allowed to remove them. This procedure helps to ensure that the system cannot be activated without the authorized personnel's knowledge."

       Therefore, it must be a combination of physical blocking equipment and procedures. I have seen some of these things happen, but I don't know how useful or common LOTO is. I am ashamed to admit that before Ultimaker's Matt Griffin asked me, I was completely unfamiliar with the term. Ultimaker has a case to show you how Heineken uses such components.

       Initially, I submitted this as another duck-belt application, but it appeared time and time again. I refuse to see the light and blame it on the Baader Meinhof phenomenon or the illusion of frequency—that is, a cognitive bias where an interesting new term will suddenly appear anywhere after learning. It was only recently that I finally realized the importance of the LOTO tool for 3D printing.