Volkswagen Integrates Binder Jetting into its Production Line

In December 2018, carmaker Volkswagen announced the opening of a dedicated additive manufacturing center at its main production site in Wolfsburg specifically to test HP’s technology. The German company is now integrating the metal binder jetting process, with the goal of producing 100,000 finished parts per year by 2025. This makes the company the first automotive manufacturer to use this technology in its production process, as its competitors are more likely to use laser powder bed fusion. By integrating this new process, the company will be able to produce components that are up to 50% lighter than those made from sheet steel. The company is also taking advantage of the opportunity to sign a software partnership with Siemens.

Volkswagen has been using additive manufacturing for about 25 years. Initially used for rapid prototyping purposes, it quickly evolved into the production of finished parts and various components, from dashboards and bumpers to door skins. Its Wolfsburg plant now consists of 13 units that leverage the advantages of plastic and metal 3D printing. On the metal side, the automobile manufacturer makes brackets, radiators and intake manifolds. So far, more than one million parts have been 3D printed, a figure that is expected to continue to grow over the next few years.

Two Volkswagen employees check the quality of 3D printed structural parts at the Wolfsburg center (photo credit: Volkswagen)

Volkswagen and binder jetting, a winning duo?

By using HP’s binder jetting technology and machines, Volkswagen intends to produce lighter, cheaper parts and increase productivity. An investment of several million euros has been made over the past five years to support this objective. Christian Vollmer, member of the Volkswagen management board and responsible for production and logistics, adds: “Despite the ongoing challenges of the coronavirus pandemic, we’re continuing to work on innovation. Together with our partners, we aim to make 3D printing even more efficient in the years ahead and suitable for production-line use.”