Automakers Expand 3D Printing for Factory Tools and Production Parts
Rivian, Ford, and GM are scaling up additive manufacturing to shorten development cycles and reduce overhead costs in their production lines.
Major automakers, including Rivian, Ford, and General Motors, are moving 3D printing beyond the research lab and into factory-floor operations. By utilizing additive manufacturing to produce assembly tools, specialized parts, and testing units, these companies aim to accelerate development cycles and reduce dependency on external supply chains.
Rivian has invested over $5 million in 3D-printing infrastructure, aiming to provide broader access to the technology for its engineering teams. According to Jared Beck, head of additive manufacturing at Rivian, the transition allows the company to reduce the production time for specific parts from weeks to hours, with the equipment costs typically recovered within one year.
Established manufacturers like Ford and GM are similarly shifting their operations. Ford has integrated additive manufacturing departments across its assembly plants, utilizing the technology to manufacture tools and components on-site, such as parts for its F-150 production lines. This trend reflects a broader push to increase manufacturing agility and lower low-volume production costs.