Automated 3D printing production line for plastic parts for series production at BMW

The Polyline project for the development of an automated 3D printing production line for plastic parts was successfully completed. At the BMW Additive Manufacturing Campus in Munich, the line was put into operation with systems from DyeMansion, EOS and Grenzebach.

According to the project partners BMW, DyeMansion, EOS and Grenzebach, this was the first time that fully automated series production via 3D printing with high throughput could be realized. The standardized interfaces enable use independent of the printer system and are thus an important step towards scaling.

EOS supplied the P500 3D printer, which can be fully automated. Grenzebach contributed solutions for material flow and transport between process steps. DyeMansion was responsible for post-processing such as cleaning and surface finishing.

According to the partners, automation resulted in higher productivity and availability as well as safer workplaces. The line met series production standards and could be integrated into existing structures, they said.

The three-year Polyline project was funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research. After completion, the partners draw a very positive balance. The automated 3D printing line is seen as an important milestone for the scaling of 3D printing.