OEM Daimler Truck | Daimler Buses has built its position in this industry as an advocate for decentralized production of 3D printed spare parts. The company has been working with several AM technology providers to push forward this initiative in the automotive industry.
Its latest partnership sheds light on a solution developed in collaboration with 3D Systems, Oqton, and Wibu-Systems. It should be noted that the company worked with Wibu in 2022 to launch its 3D printed parts shop.
The solution combines Daimler Buses’ production and maintenance expertise for automotive serial additive manufacturing parts for trucks, buses, and motorcoaches with 3D Systems’ expertise in 3D printing technology, materials, and applications. It also incorporates Oqton’s software leadership and the pioneering work of Wibu-Systems in digital rights and IP management.
Producing spare parts locally
The partners aim to address the downtime vehicles face when they need critical specific parts, such as three inserts and a fuse box cover. Limited by local supply chain infrastructure and inventory, not having these parts in stock could result in delays of several weeks, impacting operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. With the implementation of Daimler Buses’ advanced solution, service providers can now collaborate with nearby service bureaus to quickly produce the necessary parts on demand. This drastically reduces wait times and enhances overall productivity.
This collaboration enables Daimler Buses to deliver enhanced service capabilities to its certified additive manufacturing (AM) partners while protecting its valuable intellectual property (IP) and competitive position.
By utilizing this solution, Daimler Buses’ certified 3D printing partners will be able to manufacture spare parts locally for various underhood and cabin interior applications, including pins, covers, and inserts. As a result, these service partners can increase flexibility and efficiency while reducing time to parts in hand by up to 75%. Commercial truck, bus, and touring coach companies will also realize substantial indirect cost savings by minimizing vehicle downtime due to maintenance.
“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.”
Joining the certified partner network
Bus/motorcoach companies or a service bureau can join Daimler Buses’ network of 3D printing certified partners by purchasing a license for 3DXpert through Daimler Buses’ Omniplus 3D-Printing License eShop. 3DXpert is an all-in-one, integrated additive manufacturing software that streamlines the complete workflow, from part design to printing.
The prepare and print license enables the customer or service partner to decrypt the design files for the parts needed for a specific repair job and only produce the exact quantity needed. Currently, the solution is designed to 3D print parts on 3D Systems’ SLS 380. In the future, Daimler Buses anticipates service bureaus will be able to connect any 3D Systems’ polymer or metal 3D printer to the solution.
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