German RepRap x500 Enhances Additive Manufacturing in Automotive Industry

In the automotive industry, additive manufacturing has become a high priority, according to German RepRap. Different car parts and prototypes are developed with the help of additive manufacturing and thus a faster achievement of the series maturity is possible. In prototyping, fixtures, production and assembly aids, the technology has become the standard and allows the use in end products through the use of various flexible materials.

German RepRap has been supplying the BMW Group for several years. The German RepRap x500 is used, for example, for the production of prototypes in the field of predevelopment.

One of the most decisive advantages of additive manufacturing technology, according to German RepRap, is the high degree of design freedom. It enables designers to develop completely new approaches in design and function. Components with complex structures as well as bionic shapes, which are otherwise difficult or even impossible to manufacture, can be realized relatively simply, faster and in quality with this technology. German RepRap offers the corresponding material diversity. High-temperature materials, fiber-reinforced or flexible materials are used in different areas, depending on the requirements of the application. In addition, the car manufacturer benefits from a shorter production time as well as lower costs, because no tools have to be produced for the production any more, according to German RepRap.

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.