General Motors has expanded its use of additive manufacturing beyond prototyping to include functional parts in production vehicles. The Cadillac CELESTIQ, a hand-built electric sedan, features more than 130 components produced through 3D printing processes. This application represents a significant step in GM’s manufacturing approach for low-volume luxury vehicles.
The CELESTIQ’s steering wheel center stands as GM’s largest 3D-printed metal production part to date. Created using metal laser powder bed fusion technology, this component covers the front face of the steering wheel with a finish that would be difficult to achieve through traditional manufacturing methods. The technology uses lasers to infuse layers of metal, enabling complex geometries not possible with conventional techniques.
The vehicle also incorporates a 3D-printed seat belt adjustable guide loop, which GM identifies as its first additive-manufactured metal safety component. This part received the Award of Distinction in the Automotive—Electric Vehicle Category for Metal AM components from the Metal Powders Industry Federation in 2024. According to Brennon White, GM technical specialist, “Using additive manufacturing allowed us to consolidate several parts into one continuous piece. Not only is it effortlessly beautiful, but the part is also incredibly strong.”
GM’s additive manufacturing operations are centered at the Additive Industrialization Center in Warren, Michigan. Opened in December 2020, the 15,000-square-foot facility houses over 20 machines for printing both polymer and metal materials. Most CELESTIQ 3D-printed components, including window switches, grab handles, and console decor, are initially developed at this center.
The company has previously utilized 3D printing in other vehicles. Cadillac’s V-Series Blackwing models were the first GM production vehicles to include 3D-printed parts, featuring a medallion on the manual shifter knob. The technology is also applied in GM’s motorsports vehicles, including those of the Cadillac Racing team.
Source: news.gm.com