3D Systems and Daimler Collaborate

3D Systems and Daimler Truck | Daimler Buses, a global commercial vehicle manufacturer, announced a solution to facilitate remote spare part printing. The solution combines Daimler Buses’ production and maintenance expertise for automotive serial additive manufacturing parts for trucks, buses, and motorcoaches with 3D Systems’ expertise in 3D printing technology, materials, and applications, Oqton’s software leadership, and the pioneering work of Wibu-Systems in digital rights and IP management.

This collaboration enables Daimler Buses to deliver enhanced service capabilities to its certified additive manufacturing (AM) partners while protecting its  intellectual property (IP) and competitive position. By utilizing this solution, Daimler Buses’ certified 3D printing partners will be able to manufacture spare parts locally for various underhood and cabin interior applications, including pins, covers, and inserts.

“We are very pleased that we are expanding the revolutionary solution with 3D Systems, one of the world’s leading 3D printer manufacturers, and realizing our vision for decentralized spare parts production,” says Ralf Anderhofstadt, head of center of competence additive manufacturing, Daimler Truck and Buses. "The Digital Rights Management enables us to shorten service times through decentralized production in order to further maximize productivity and revenue for commercial vehicle companies. In addition, the sensible use of industrial 3D printing results in reducing the complexity in the supply chains."

With the implementation of Daimler Buses’ advanced solution, service providers can now collaborate with nearby service bureaus to quickly produce the necessary parts on demand, the companies report.

Bus/motorcoach companies or a service bureau can join Daimler Buses’ network of 3D printing certified partners by purchasing a license for 3DXpertthrough Daimler Buses’ Omniplus 3D-Printing License eShop. 3DXpert is an all-in-one, integrated additive manufacturing software that streamlines the complete workflow, from part design to printing, according to 3D Systems. The prepare and print license enables the customer or service partner to decrypt the design files for the parts needed for a specific repair job and only produce the exact quantity needed. Currently, the solution is designed to 3D print parts on 3D Systems’ SLS 380. In the future, Daimler Buses anticipates service bureaus will be able to connect any 3D Systems’ polymer or metal 3D printer to the solution.

“By commercializing this digital service solution, Daimler Buses is not only adopting a new technology; they’re fundamentally reshaping the supply chain for greater resilience and efficiency,” says Jaime Garcia, additive solutions manager – automotive and commercial transportation, 3D Systems. “Our SLS 380 is a high throughput additive manufacturing solution with unprecedented levels of throughput, consistency, performance, and yield."

“Our 3DXpert software is renowned as an all-in-one solution to streamline the additive manufacturing production workflow," says Roy Sterenthal, vice president, industrial additive, Oqton. "By combining this capability with Wibu-Systems' robust digital rights management solution, we're helping Daimler Buses safeguard its intellectual property while accelerating its supply chain."

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.