Additive manufacturing a source of savings for GM?

While automotive additive manufacturing is growing with announced revenues in excess of $5 billion, GM Motors has announced that it has saved more than $300,000 in 3D technology for more than two years. Since the US acquired its first machine, costs have been largely decreasing, with most factories having at least one.

Additive manufacturing allows manufacturers and other players in the automotive market to create optimized parts in terms of material use and are therefore lighter and cheaper. Structures can be more complex and offer more performance, two key points for the sector. General Motors is one of those builders, with a recent partnership with Autodesk to design 40% lighter parts for their electric cars. The US company says it has increased the use of 3D technologies, resulting in better standardization of production operations.

General Motors optimizes their auto parts in partnership with Autodesk

3D printers in General Motors factories

According to Dan Grieshaber, Director of Global Manufacturing Integration at General Motors, most of the company’s factories now have 3D printers. He explains: “We’re quickly evolving, creating real value for the plant. This will become, as we progress, our footprint. We’ll have this in every one of our sites.”