Daimler Buses, in collaboration with 3D Systems, has introduced an innovative solution that enables decentralized spare parts production through 3D printing. This new platform combines Daimler Buses’ expertise in automotive parts manufacturing with 3D Systems’ advanced technologies, Oqton‘s software, and Wibu-Systems’ digital rights management system.
This collaboration allows authorized Daimler Buses service partners to locally print spare parts such as pins, covers, or inserts, reducing the time required for parts availability by up to 75 percent. This decrease in production and delivery times not only increases flexibility but also minimizes vehicle downtime, resulting in significant cost savings for operators.
“We are very pleased that we are expanding the revolutionary solution with 3D Systems, one of the world’s leading 3D printer manufacturers, and realizing our vision for decentralized spare parts production,” said Ralf Anderhofstadt, head of center of competence additive manufacturing, Daimler Truck and Buses. “The Digital Rights Management enables us to shorten service times through decentralized production in order to further maximize productivity and revenue for commercial vehicle companies. In addition, the sensible use of industrial 3D printing results in reducing the complexity in the supply chains. Through our collaboration with 3D Systems, Oqton and Wibu-Systems, we are setting another important milestone in the expansion of decentralized 3D printing production.”
The solution is technically based on 3D Systems’ SLS 380, a high-performance 3D printer capable of producing precise and durable parts from polymer materials. Spare part designs are decrypted and prepared for production using the 3DXpert software, with access secured by Wibu-Systems’ rights management, ensuring Daimler Buses’ intellectual property remains protected. In the future, Daimler Buses plans to expand the system to include metal 3D printers.
“By commercializing this digital service solution, Daimler Buses is not only adopting a new technology; they’re fundamentally reshaping the supply chain for greater resilience and efficiency,” said Jaime Garcia, additive solutions manager – automotive and commercial transportation, 3D Systems. “Our SLS 380 is a high throughput additive manufacturing solution with unprecedented levels of throughput, consistency, performance, and yield. I’m pleased that this is the first 3D Systems technology to be integrated into Daimler Buses’ workflow. I look forward to seeing how the capabilities grow as we add other polymer as well as metal 3D printers in the future.”
Roy Sterenthal, vice president, industrial additive, Oqton commented, “Our 3DXpert software is renowned as an all-in-one solution to streamline the additive manufacturing production workflow. By combining this capability with Wibu-Systems’ robust digital rights management solution, we’re helping Daimler Buses safeguard its intellectual property while accelerating its supply chain. I’m pleased that we can be part of this innovative solution to produce on-demand critical components, reduce reliance on global logistics, and ultimately return vehicles to service faster than ever.”
The importance of 3D printing in the automotive industry is rapidly growing. According to a Markets and Markets study, the additive manufacturing market in the automotive sector is projected to reach $7.9 billion by 2027. With this solution, Daimler Buses showcases the potential to make supply chains more efficient and reduce reliance on global logistics networks.
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