3D Printing: Adding A New Dimension To Auto Manufacturing

Though automotive companies are using additive manufacturing (AM) to make limited products, its usage will increase with evolution in product and supply chain requirements. In this ever evolving market, AM can become a potential game changer for future operations of automotive businesses.

On June 5, 2017, ISRO created history by launching India's heaviest rocket carrying communication satellite GSAT-19 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikot. The GSAT-19 has been credited for being a game changer communications satellite for India. This launch was a unique accomplishment for ISRO as the India’s premier space research organisation had used an additive manufacturing (AM) engineered component in GSAT-19. The component was developed and manufactured with technology provided by EOS in partnership with Wipro 3D.

Additive manufacturing refers to a process by which digital 3D design data is used to build up a component in layers by depositing material. The term ‘3D printing’ is increasingly used as a synonym for additive manufacturing.

Medical technology (medtech) and aerospace and defence (A&D) industries have been pioneers in using AM technology and have set the benchmark on how AM can be applied in production of customised products. Not far behind is automotive industry, which is now leading in the application of AM in mass customisation.

“In the age of cutting-edge technologies and stiff competition, organisations around the globe need to accept and adapt to far more advanced technologies that would help them innovate faster and better than their competitors. One of the leading sectors in India for us is automotive who are seeing the advantages of additive manufacturing and are increasingly open to experimenting with the technology,” says Anand Prakasam, Country Manager (India), EOS – one of the leading players in e-manufacturing solutions. EOS has about 80 percent market share in metal 3D printing in India and has a presence in sectors such as aerospace, automotive, heavy engineering, tooling, healthcare including dental among others.