BMW Group is about to implement one of many largest 3D printed polymer parts in a industrial car with a brand new heart console service scheduled for manufacturing in 2027. The part not too long ago received the SPE Central Europe AutomotiveAward in June 2024, marking the primary time a 3D printed half has acquired this recognition.
The brand new design consolidates what was beforehand a seven-part meeting right into a single 3D printed part, measuring 300 × 300 × 1,000 mm and weighing roughly 4 kg. The console integrates two air ducts that historically required separate tooling-based molding processes, streamlining the manufacturing workflow.
Hans Weber Maschinenfabrik will provide the robotic 3D printing programs for BMW’s in-house manufacturing of those parts. Every console requires about 3 hours and 40 minutes to print on Weber’s DXR platform MEX or LSP programs, utilizing a single-screw Weber AE 20 extruder.
The undertaking will make the most of Akro-Plastic’s Akromid PA11 materials, which incorporates 40% recycled carbon fiber and renewable uncooked supplies. The brand new design achieves a 30% weight discount in comparison with the traditional assembled model, contributing to improved car effectivity.
BMW plans to supply roughly 18,000 heart console carriers yearly utilizing this technique. The mixture of design optimization, materials choice, and manufacturing strategy leads to a carbon discount of about 70 kg per car in comparison with conventional manufacturing strategies.
Supply: ptonline.com
