Ford, Rivian and General Motors are widening their use of 3D printing on factory floors, turning to the technology to build prototypes, tools and low-volume parts faster and more cheaply.
The shift matters for manufacturers well beyond Detroit. As automakers worldwide face pressure to cut production costs and shorten development timelines, the move signals that additive manufacturing is moving from a niche prototyping tool to a standard part of vehicle production, a trend tracked closely across the business world as supply chains look for ways to trim costs and compress timelines.
Key facts
- Ford, Rivian and GM are each expanding 3D printing within their manufacturing operations.
- The technology is being applied to prototypes, factory tooling and parts produced in small volumes.
- All three automakers say the approach lowers costs and speeds up production.
What the automakers are doing
Ford, Rivian and GM are using 3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, to produce items layer by layer from digital designs rather than relying solely on traditional tooling and molds. The companies are applying it to early-stage prototypes, custom tools used on assembly lines, and parts made in small batches.
Why automakers are turning to the technology
The companies say the method cuts costs and reduces the time needed to move from design to finished part, advantages that matter in an industry where manufacturers constantly look for ways to protect margins and stay competitive. The development was reported by cnbc.com.
