BMW Focuses on Automation and WAAM for Additive Manufacturing Scale

The BMW Group is significantly investing in scaling additive manufacturing (AM) to an "industrial level." This involves integrating new systems, increasing build volumes, and establishing digitally connected process chains. The company, a long-time user of AM since the 1990s, now considers it a crucial component across the vehicle lifecycle.

A primary focus for BMW's scaling strategy is the implementation of automated, digitally networked process chains. This approach, coupled with open-material systems and interfaces, is designed for seamless integration into existing production infrastructures. Timo Göbel, Head of Additive Manufacturing at BMW Group, highlighted this as a "key pillar" for their expansion.

BMW's Additive Manufacturing Campus (AMC) in Oberschleissheim, established in 2020, has already produced over 1.6 million 3D-printed parts, with an additional 100,000 made annually at other vehicle plants. The technology is currently supporting the development of Neue Klasse vehicles and the latest generation of electric drives. The company plans to further embed AM by investing in larger build volumes and connected digital workflows.

Specifically, BMW is targeting Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) for the production of large-scale metal components. After exploring WAAM since 2015 and conducting tests with an MX3D production cell in 2021, the technology is slated for gradual rollout into series production starting in 2027. BMW anticipates WAAM will enable the creation of larger, functional parts with enhanced properties, produced more flexibly and rapidly without traditional tooling, alongside new prototyping applications.