One of the sectors where 3D is used frequently is automotive. All the leader brands including BMW, Roll-Royce and Audi made 3D printers the common member of their facilities. The truck manufacturer, Daimler too decided to use this technology for the production of Mercedes –Benz trucks.
With the use of 3D printing technology as an innovative state-of-the-art production process in after-sales, Mercedes-Benz is taking on the pioneering role and technological leadership among the global truck producers.
“In keeping with our brand promise ‘Trucks you can trust’, we set the same benchmarks for reliability, functionality, durability and economy for spare parts from 3D production as for parts from conventional production”, says Andreas Deuschle, Head of Marketing & Operations in the Customer Services & Parts Mercedes-Benz Trucks Division. “However, 3D offers many more possibilities; this is why we shall be rapidly extending the production of 3D printed parts.”
 “We benefit from our extensive experience at Daimler with 3D printing processes in prototype construction”, comments Andreas Deuschle. The available spare parts consist of high-quality plastic components. Covers, spacers, spring caps, air and cable ducts, clamps, mountings and control elements are just a few examples of economical spare part production in top quality made possible by using the 3D printing process.
The printing itself can take place within a very short time following receipt of the design definition and order, considerably speeding up the production and supply of spare parts. As spare and retrofit parts can still easily be “reprinted” even after a long time using the data stored and supplied without any complex stocking, no warehousing is required either. At the same time the burden on costs, resources and the environment is also eased, as there are no material surpluses, the disposal of which is very complex.