The importance of 3D printing in the automotive industry is growing rapidly.
Recently, Daimler Buss announced that it has cooperated with the world’s leading additive manufacturing solutions provider 3D Systems to launch an innovative platform to achieve decentralized production of spare parts via 3D printing technology. This solution integrates the rich manufacturing and maintenance experience of Daimler bus, advanced 3D systems printing technology, software support from Oqton and digital copyright management system from Wibu-Systems. the supply chain.
Under the traditional supply chain model, some key parts of buses, trucks or long-haul buses (such as nails, covers or plug-ins) may take several weeks to obtain from suppliers, causing the customer satisfaction from stopping vehicles.
The new solution allows Daimler to certify service partners to produce these parts using locally 3D printed, shortening parts procurement time by up to 75%. Service agencies or operators do not need to wait for complex logistics deployment and vehicles can restore services more quickly.
The solution is based on 3D Systems’ SLS 380 industrial 3D printer, which can efficiently produce high-quality, durable polymer parts. In the future, Daimler bus plans to expand this system to support metal printing equipment to cover more component applications.
The platform supports Oqton’s 3DXpert software, which is a full-function integration tool that simplifies the additive manufacturing process. Service partners decrypt digital files of specific parts through the platform and achieve rapid printing, improving response speed and production flexibility.
Using Wibu-Systems’ digital copyright management system to ensure that only authorized service agencies can access design files and produce according to the number of licenses. This design prevents technological leaks, while ensuring the competitive advantage of the Daimler bus.
Using this platform, commercial vehicle operators can significantly reduce downtime caused by lack of spare parts and minimize indirect costs. The demand generation model also reduces its dependence on the traditional supply chain and improves the elasticity of supply chain interruption.
“This revolutionary solution is an important step in the production of decentralized spare parts,” said Ralf Anderhofstadt, the head of Daimler Croot and Bus.
Jaime Garcia, automotive transportation and commercial transportation solution 3D Systems, highlighted: “This cooperation has reshaped the traditional supply chain model, not only showing the powerful potential of industrial 3D printing, but also promoting the leap from prototype manufacturing to full production.
Daimler Bus Company passedOmniplus 3D Printing License ESHOPMarketing of this solution. Certification service agencies can purchase licenses through the platform and join the Daimler 3D printing cooperation network. With access to more printing equipment in the future, this platform will further expand coverage, including more complex and durable part applications.
About Daimlerba
Daimlerba is the pioneer of 3D printing in the automotive industry. Since 2016, the company has been committed to developing digital production technology. At present, its service brand Omniplus has tailored 3D printed by Mercedes-Benz and Setra brands about 40,000 bare parts. This virtual warehouse not only provides the basics of 3D printing license management, but also further optimizes the rapid availability of spare parts, thereby improving service efficiency and customer experience.
