Borg Aims to Transform Automotive Aftermarket with 3D Printing Technology

One of the main issues in the field of automotive repair is the lack of availability of parts, especially when it comes to older cars. Renowned parts manufacturer, Borg, which is based in Denmark, believes that 3D printing of quality automotive components will go a long way towards solving this issue. The use of 3D printing can help not only to optimize product quality but can also ensure that components are made in the shortest turnaround time.
Borg is a company that has considerable expertise in the production, sales and distribution of automotive components and has a heritage of more than four decades in the industry. It is one of the leading manufacturers of automotive components in Europe.

According to Grzegorz Stępień, R&D technologist at BORG Automotive, the company puts a lot of effort into R&D and testing of manufactured products. Products are tested under extreme conditions and under heavy loads. This process is made a lot easier and more efficient through the use of 3D printers. The printers are used to create prototypes of new products and remodel ones that are already on the market.

Borg has a manufacturing facility in Poland where the company remanufactures, starters, A/C compressors, brake calipers and alternators.

Borg makes components not only for automobiles, but also for agricultural and construction machines. True to its reputation for high quality and leadership and innovation, the company has now taken to using onsite 3D printers to manufacture parts that are not made any more through traditional methods. Subcontracting the manufacture of these parts can drive up costs, affect quality and increase turnaround time. Now, with 3D printers onsite, BORG is able to enjoy making parts with quick turnaround that are high quality and affordable.

The printer that Borg prefers to use is the VSHAPER 3D printer, which is manufactured by VeraShape, a Polish company. Borg uses the VSHAPER to make automotive components that offer users a higher level of thermal and mechanical endurance. Grzegorz Stępień claimed that the VSHAPER printers allows for a high level of independence and flexibility and helps the company to reduce the cost of production, thus giving Borg a competitive advantage. The VSHAPER was selected on the basis of its ability to work continuously and produce high-quality components with precision. The fact that they can work continuouisly make a significant difference when it comes to turnaround times.

“More and more companies in the automotive industry are interested in printing construction elements having virtues similar to that of metal,” says Tomasz Szymański, the founder and CEO of VeraShape. “Observing the development of 3D print in the recent years, it becomes apparent that automotive is its biggest recipient.”

Initially in the automotive industry, 3D printing technology was used to make prototyping easier for engineers. Borg, however, is using 3D printing to make fully functional parts and thus expediting the entire production process.