The automotive industry is under pressure to make its production processes more climate-neutral. However, the transition to lower-emission production models involves considerable changes. One approach that is increasingly being considered is additive manufacturing. Particularly in prototyping, but increasingly also in series production, 3D printing is proving to be a practicable approach to reducing material and energy consumption in a targeted manner.
Fadi Abro, Global Automotive Director at Stratasys, emphasizes that additive processes make it possible to produce components in a decentralized and demand-oriented manner. Production directly at the point of use reduces transportation emissions. At the same time, the technology enables complex lightweight structures that would be difficult or impossible to realize with conventional subtractive processes.This results in components that not only save weight but also material, which in turn can improve energy efficiency – for example in electric vehicles.
Another advantage is that there is no need for tools or molds, which brings economic benefits, especially for small series and special models. AM-based processes support “just-in-time” strategies and thus minimize the need for warehousing. Downstream markets such as the aftermarket also benefit from the rapid production of individualized replacement or tuning parts. Automotive manufacturers such as Ford, Porsche and Volkswagen are already using various 3D printing processes such as FDM, PolyJet or selective laser melting to shorten development times or manufacture tools and functional components cost-effectively.
The increasing use of sustainable materials such as bio-based thermoplastics also strengthens the ecological balance of 3D printing. In an industry that is looking for new ways to reduce emissions, additive manufacturing is becoming a relevant tool – not only from a business perspective, but also from an environmental one.
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