The BMW Group is using generative design software and additive manufacturing to make production parts at an industrial scale. The automaker believes the technologies offer several advantages, including fast availability of components, flexible component design, and the ability to manufacture parts without elaborate tools.
“Additive manufacturing helps us to speed up development cycles and get our vehicles to series maturity faster,” says Daniel Schäfer, senior vice president for production integration and pilot plants at BMW. “It also shortens production times for components while meeting rigorous quality requirements.”