BMW Group Advances Additive Manufacturing Towards Series Production

The BMW Group is significantly expanding its use of additive manufacturing (AM), bringing the technology closer to series production. The company is establishing an Additive Manufacturing Campus in Munich, which will serve as a global competence center for 3D printing across all production sites. This facility will focus on developing and implementing new AM technologies and materials, as well as training employees.

BMW is currently utilizing AM for a variety of components in its vehicles, including customized interior elements, functional prototypes, and tools. The company has been a pioneer in adopting 3D printing for production, having produced over a million parts using this technology since 2017. This includes components for electric vehicle battery systems and personalized interior trims for luxury models.

The Additive Manufacturing Campus will house development teams, engineers, and technicians dedicated to advancing AM capabilities. It will also feature a production facility for low-volume and customized parts, further bridging the gap between prototyping and mass manufacturing. The strategic goal is to increase the use of AM in series production for both current and future vehicle generations.

BMW's commitment to AM extends to exploring new materials and processes that can enhance performance, reduce weight, and improve sustainability. The company aims to leverage the flexibility and customization potential of 3D printing to meet the evolving demands of the automotive industry and offer more personalized options to customers.