SMARTER MANUFACTURING

3D printing is helping Honda Cars India Ltd. to stay ahead on multiple fronts.

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Founded in 1995, Honda Cars India Ltd. is a world-leading automaker that provides a wide range of cars, from the budget passenger hatchbacks like the Jazz, WRV and BRV to popular sedans like Amaze, City, Civic, and the luxurious CRV SUV. Headquartered in Gautam Budh Nagar, Honda Cars India has two manufacturing plants and serves over 2.5 million customers all over the country. Honda City, an iconic sedan launched twenty years ago, is still the best seller in its segment.

A NEED FOR MORE EFFICIENT AND ERGONOMIC TOOLING

Innovation being its hallmark, Honda Cars India never stops introducing new technologies. For instance, its inspection jigs were made with fabricated hollow metal pipe structures and CEBA (ceramic backing). Fabricated metal pipes provided the necessary strength and CEBA provided the smooth finish and complex shapes on the peripheries. However, machining accuracy was challenging and the costs, both in terms of raw materials and manpower, were significant. The lead time for the whole process could be as long as two months and significantly delay delivery. Furthermore, the jigs were quite heavy, increasing the associate’s fatigue and negatively impacting their morale.