Automotive company Daimler is using 3D printing to cut the time and cost of creating replacement parts in buses and touring coaches.

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Next time you’re bored while taking the bus to work, keep an eye out for any 3D printed components. Daimler Buses is using 3D printing technology to produce replacements for brands such as Mercedes-Benz and Setra.

The technology means shorter waiting times, as well as making economical sense when printing smaller batches.

Daimler has already been using 3D printing to develop prototypes, as well as parts for trucks, as covered by All3DP last year. Here, the company’s process is simple. Whenever a bus company requires a new part, they can simply request it using an order code.

Thereafter, turnaround of the part is very quick. Designing and production are much faster than ever before thanks to 3D printing. Hartmut Schick, Head of Daimler Buses, explains:

“In the medium term, we see digital production technologies as harbouring vast potential to enable us to address market and customer requirements in a flexible manner while at the same time minimising investment risks.”

Daimler Offers Cutomizable Parts in Buses

As well as developing single-piece components, the company is also able to print moving parts. These complex parts have previously consisted of several components. However, now Daimler can print these parts in one step using printers based on a Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) process.

This drastically cuts down on extensive assembly processes can drastically decrease production times. For example, Mercedes-Benz integrates a multi-piece stowage compartment for banknotes, as shown above. Thanks to 3D printing, there are now fewer extensive assembly operations while also avoiding over production.

Schick continues:

“The 3D printing process allows us to install local printers at the production plants operated by Daimler Buses worldwide. It also enables us to respond in a flexible manner at local level to customers’ special wishes and replacement part needs. In this way, the availability of parts can be speeded up considerably while avoiding long transport distances as well as high transport costs and customs charges.”

Source: Daimler