The rise of the automotive age was a groundbreaking shift, replacing muscle power with motorized movement. While this revolution occurred over a century ago, the industry now faces a new era of opportunities and challenges. For automotive manufacturers and suppliers, additive manufacturing goes beyond rapid prototyping—it’s revolutionizing production. From on-demand spare parts and customized series to automated 3D production cells, the possibilities are endless. 3D printing is particularly effective in this sector due to its combination of flexibility, innovation, and cost-effectiveness.
Trends
Mass Customization
An increasing number of customers are seeking customization options, with the goal of series customization being to enable the design of high-quality details, such as decorative interior elements.
Sustainability
Customers increasingly prioritize sustainability, which encompasses e-mobility, the demand for more efficient engines, and the desire to extend vehicle service life, which has grown longer in recent years. Additionally, ensuring the availability of spare parts is a key concern.
Tooling and Mold-Making
As cost pressures increase, every detail becomes crucial. This shifts the focus to one of the automotive industry's key partners—the tooling industry—which must optimize part quality, functional integration, production speed, and tool stability.
