Daimler Trucks to use 3D printed spare parts

Frankfurt: Daimler, the world's largest truck manufacturer, will use threedimensional printing ( 3D) to produce spare parts, the latest example of how digital technologies are radically reshaping automotive manufacturing and its supply chain. Rather than shipping vehicle parts across the globe, carmakers including BMW and Volkswagen are experimenting with socalled additive manufacturing. This relies on sending a digital blueprint of a component to a printer which creates parts by using lasers to melt powders into plastic, glass, metals and even ceramics. By printing new parts, automakers can save logistics and warehouse storage costs and produce complex components at low volumes. The technology is not ready to make high- volume vehicle components, so carmakers rely on conventional manufacturing methods for components like metal body panels, which are made using hydraulic metal stamping presses, costing up to 40 million euros ($ 44 mln) each. But advances in laser technology, thermal and chemical processes mean 3D printing can be used for some small batches of customized components, for things like prototype vehicles and concept cars. In a sign of the technology becoming more widespread, Daimler Trucks said on Wednesday that from September, it will use 3D printing processes for plastic spare parts including spring caps, air and cable ducts, clamps, mountings and control elements. — Reuters