Mercedes-Benz Uses 3D Printing for On-Demand Spare Parts

A number of giant companies are now embracing 3D printing technology on a smaller scale, one of which is Mercedes-Benz Trucks. The German automaker is harnessing the on-demand benefit of parts manufactured in this way, utilizing an eco-friendly 3D printing process to manufacture spare parts.

This is not the first time Daimler has utilized 3D printing, with the company employing the technology for the production of over 100,000 prototype parts per year. The same Selective Laser Sintering printing process will now be utilized in the production of 30 various plastic truck components, including control element, mountings, clamps, air and cable ducts, spring caps, spacers, and covers.

Particularly, the process is useful when it comes to low-volume parts, or parts no longer being series produced. Instead of forcing production facilities to maintain old tooling, 3D printing implies manufacturers can order and produce parts from old catalogs or model lines. Given that parts can be printed right away, Mercedes Benz is also able to save storeroom space.

The 3D parts are now reportedly available for order.