Bosch has installed a new metal 3D printer at its Nuremberg, Germany facility, becoming the first Tier-1 automotive supplier in Europe to operate this class of equipment. The company invested approximately six million euros in the center and the installation of a Nikon SLM Solutions NXG XII 600 printer. The system features twelve lasers and can produce metal components up to five times faster than previous 3D printing technologies.
The new facility can manufacture complex metal parts for various applications, including hydrogen systems, electric car motor housings, and racing engine blocks. The printer creates parts by melting metal powder layer by layer using computer-aided design files, enabling the production of intricate internal structures and curved channels that would be difficult or impossible to achieve through conventional manufacturing methods.
The system’s production capabilities are significant, with the ability to produce up to 10,000 kilograms of metal parts annually at speeds reaching 1,000 cubic centimeters per hour. According to Bosch, the printer can significantly reduce production timelines, particularly for components like engine blocks, which traditionally require up to three years from initial design to volume production using conventional methods.
“Using the 3D printer to manufacture components not only increases sustainability in production, but also enables Bosch to respond flexibly to fluctuations in batch sizes and offer everything from a single source,” says Alexander Weichsel, commercial plant manager in Nuremberg. The system operates with minimal raw material waste, contributing to resource conservation.
The new facility represents part of Bosch’s commitment to advancing manufacturing capabilities in Germany. The technology will serve automotive applications while also offering potential benefits for energy and aviation industries. The printer eliminates the need for complex molds and can deliver finished components within days of receiving design data.
Source: all-about-industries.com