Leading 3D printer OEM 3D Systems and German automotive research and development center TOYOTA Motorsport GmbH (TMG) announced a collaboration to develop "first-to-market" automotive additive manufacturing solutions. 3D Systems and TMG will merge their respective expertise to create advanced 3D printing technologies and materials for high-performance applications in the automotive industry, aiming to open new horizons in motorsport through additive manufacturing. The two companies intend to change automotive engineering, design Existing mode of production.
Under the terms of the partnership, 3D Systems has been named "Selected Additive Manufacturing Machine Supplier" by TMG. As a result, many 3D Systems' additive manufacturing machines and their software will be integrated into TMG's production workflow. "TMG's facilities will be a showcase of world-class advanced digital manufacturing," commented Andreas Schambach, future production technology department of the project general manager of TOYOTA Motorsport GmbH. "Our team of experts will complement 3D Systems by developing advanced laser sintering technologies and material combinations with improved performance to meet the demanding automotive industry needs."
Creating a competitive advantage in motorsport with 3D printing
TMG is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Japanese multinational automaker Toyota Motor Corporation. TMG runs motorsports and R & D activities for its parent company, operating as a high-performance testing and development facility in Cologne. The 30,000 square meter space is equipped with advanced facilities for designing, producing, testing and assembling components and vehicles. In addition to providing professional development and production services for its Toyota company, TMG also provides solutions for external partners and customers. TMG demonstrated materials expertise and worked with DSM and the Advanced Manufacturing Research Center (AMRC) of the University of Sheffield to develop new advanced materials solutions.
Now, with a new partnership with 3D Systems, TMG plans to install Figure 4 Standalone, ProX 800, sPro 60 and sPro 230 3D printers in its factory. In addition to hardware, TMG integrates 3D Systems' Geomagic Design X software into its manufacturing ecosystem. Leveraging 3D Systems' additive manufacturing technology, TMG will develop its "first-to-market" additive manufacturing solution, including new laser sintering technology and improved automotive materials. To this end, TMG plans to increase the efficiency of its production processes and create lightweight, high-quality production parts for various racing projects to gain a competitive advantage.
Herbert Koeck, Executive Vice President of Global Marketing, said: "I am encouraged by the potential of working with TOYOTA Motorsport. TMG is a well-known leader in their industry because 3D Systems brings together a lot of expertise in our industry to challenge new applications. Provide solutions. I look forward to the innovation we will achieve during this collaboration. "As part of the partnership, TMG and 3D Systems will appear simultaneously at the Silverstone Circuit in the UK from August 30th to September 1st At the FIA World Endurance Championship, the 3D Systems logo will appear on two TOYOTA GAZOO cars.
3D Systems and Automotive
3D Systems has accumulated extensive experience in providing 3D printing technology to the automotive industry. Previously, the company helped New Zealand automaker Rodin Cars and winning NASCAR team Stewart-Haas Racing accelerate productivity in the automotive industry. Rodin Cars uses the sPro 230, ProX 800 and ProX DMP 320 3D printers to develop carbon fiber tools as well as titanium production parts for exhaust collectors, mufflers, columns, hubs and component mounting brackets. Stewart-Haas Racing, on the other hand, used ProX800 with Geomagic Wrap reverse engineering software to improve its scan-to-CAD workflow and produce aerodynamic racing parts.