Additive manufacturing processes
BMW campus for 3D printing
BMW is investing in a new campus for additive manufacturing in Oberschleissheim. The company is thus further expanding its expertise in additive manufacturing processes - cooperation with partners should enable the new technology to be used quickly in series production.
A new campus for additive manufacturing is being built in Oberschleissheim.
© BMWWithin the BMW production network, the new campus will act as a pilot plant to drive forward new additive manufacturing technologies and subsequently make them available. The focus will be on the production of parts for prototype production, series production and individualized vehicle parts. In addition, the 'Additive Manufacturing Campus' will serve as an interdisciplinary training and project area for development engineers, for example. Up to 80 employees will move into the existing building with over 6000m2. The opening of the campus with more than 30 industrial metal and plastic systems is planned for early 2019.
Jens Ertel, Head of the BMW Additive Manufacturing Center and future Campus Manager, said: "The new site is a major milestone in additive manufacturing at the BMW Group. We will evaluate existing and new technologies in both the plastics and metal sectors and bring them to series production maturity. The aim is to be able to provide the optimum technology and process chain for every application - whether for small quantities, individual parts or series production."
Series use and personalized vehicle parts
Additive manufacturing processes are an integral part of BMW's production system. There is great potential in series production.
A current example is the use of the process in the production of the new BMW i8 Roadster - a component from the 3D printer is located on the soft top of the vehicle and serves as a holder for the soft top cover. The metal component made from an aluminum alloy weighs less and is significantly more rigid than the plastic injection-molded part usually used.
Additive manufacturing is also becoming increasingly important for individualized vehicle parts.
The 3D printing process enables the individualization of selected components, such as the side blinker inserts on the Mini.
© BMWThe new 'MINI Yours Customized' product range enables customers to design selected components, such as the side blinker inserts or the decorative strips of the dashboard, according to their individual ideas and then have them produced using the 3D printing process.
Decentralized manufacturing - production follows the market
In the long term, the car manufacturer sees great potential in producing components where they are needed. Jens Ertel: "The 3D printers distributed across the international production network are a first step in this direction. We are already printing prototype parts on site at our plants in Spartanburg (USA), Shenyang (China) and Rayong (Thailand). For small series, country editions and customizable components, integration into local production structures is conceivable in the future if advantages can be achieved."
Investments within the framework of BMW i Ventures
In September 2016, BMW i Ventures invested in the company Carbon. With DLS (Digital Light Synthesis) printing technology, significantly larger surfaces can be processed faster than with conventional selective 3D printing processes.
Another investment in the field of additive manufacturing was made in February 2017: The start-up Desktop Metal specializes in the additive manufacturing of metal parts and develops innovative and highly productive manufacturing processes in the field. Here, too, there is close cooperation with the Additive Manufacturing Center.
In the area of supply chain, BMW invested in Xometry in June 2017. The company is a web-based platform that connects suppliers and manufacturers from different industries. Initial pilot projects are already running successfully, including for spare parts production.
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