Why does BMW bet on additive manufacturing?

Large industrial groups are among the first users of additive manufacturing, convinced of the advantages that technology offers today. The German group BMW is a perfect example of this. While announcing the opening of a new additive manufacturing center in 2019, they recently presented their 3D printed chassis motorcycle prototype, thus pushing their design limits. For 25 years, the car manufacturer has been integrating additive manufacturing solutions into its production cycle and intends to continue these developments to offer more innovative and efficient vehicles. We met Dr. Jens Ertel, Manager of the BMW Additive Manufacturing Center to learn more about the group’s projects and ambitions, and why BMW 3D printing is not a bet but an investment.

3DN: Can you introduce yourself and explain how BMW relates to 3D printing?

I am Dr. Jens Ertel; I studied physics at the University of Göttingen with a specialty in materials and obtained my doctorate in 1993. I started my career in the industry two years later when I joined the BMW group. I held various management positions in the areas of laboratory technology and quality assurance. In 2012, I became head of the additive manufacturing center of the BMW Group, where I am responsible for the development of 3D technologies, prototyping and mass production. In 2019, I will manage the new Additive Manufacturing Campus of the BMW Group.

Dr. Jens Ertel

At BMW, we have been using additive manufacturing since 1991, so for over 25 years. At that time, we started by producing prototypes for concept cars. This early use of 3D technologies has given us a big advance in 3D printing in recent years.

3DN: In which areas does BMW use additive manufacturing? What are the benefits of using 3D printing, especially in the automotive sector, compared to traditional production processes?

Today, the scope of our functions is much more diversified and goes from the production of spare parts for classic vehicles to tools through the parts we create for the mass production of vehicles. Because additive manufacturing offers more freedom in design, we have developed new approaches in terms of functionality and design. Recently, our MINI customers have the opportunity to customize their vehicle by designing the passenger-side sideband in the cockpit and the side inserts themselves. The pieces are then printed individually by us. Components are available in just a few days compared to conventional production methods. These last require us to calculate a tooling time often long.