BMW Group strengthens its additive manufacturing strategy with the appointment of Timo Göbel as the new director of its Additive Manufacturing Campus. The goal is to more deeply integrate 3D printing into vehicle manufacturing, scaling its use from prototyping to series production. The company already uses 3D-printed components in all phases and for all its brands, having manufactured more than 1.6 million parts since the campus opened in 2020.
Automation, open systems, and WAAM: the technological roadmap 🚀
Scalability is key in BMW's strategy, which is based on automated processes and open material systems to increase efficiency. In the metals sector, the company is introducing a new generation of printers and plans to integrate Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) technology. This technology, aimed at large-size components and complex geometries, is scheduled to reach series production starting in 2027. BMW's track record in this field is extensive, with milestones such as the first polymer series in 2012 and metal in 2017.
From workshop tool to factory pillar ⚙️
BMW's move consolidates the transition of 3D printing from a resource for prototypes and aftermarket parts to a fundamental component of the industrial production chain. The appointment of a specific director and investment in technologies like WAAM signal a long-term commitment. This approach not only optimizes the manufacturing of complex components but also redefines design and supply processes in high-end automotive.
How is additive manufacturing transforming the supply chain and customization in the high-end automotive industry, according to BMW's strategy?
(PD: ADAS systems are like in-laws: always watching what you do)