Daimler/ Mercedes-Benz Trucks
Mercedes Benz Trucks spare part
Mercedes-Benz Trucks will, in the future, produce complex metallic spare and special parts in first-class quality. The view into the interior of the 3D printer shows the first printed thermostat covers, which are still connected to the work platform.
Mercedes-Benz Trucks has seen the first metal 3D printed spare part pass all stages of its stringent quality assurance process.
The component is a thermostat cover for truck and Unimog models from older model series. Metal 3D printing technology was harnessed by the Mercedes division because of its ability to provide high strength, thermal resistant parts, with ‘any geometry and in any numbers’.
With this development, the company believes it has stolen a march on its competitors in the race to become the technological leader in applying metal 3D components in the automotive market.
“With the introduction of 3D metal printing technology, Mercedes-Benz Trucks is reasserting its pioneering role among the global commercial vehicle manufacturers,” said Andreas Deuschle, Head of Marketing & Operations in Customer Services & Parts at Mercedez-Benz trucks. “We ensure the same functionality, reliability, durability, and cost-effectiveness with 3D metal parts as we do with conventionally produced parts.”
Producing replacement parts with 3D printing has mainly, and again on this occasion, done in aluminium. Boasting almost 100% density and greater purity than die-cast aluminium parts, as well as the aforementioned strength and durability, the production of 3D printed aluminium parts does not require cost-intensive development work or procurement of special tools. Thus, Mercedes-Benz Trucks has seen it as a viable method of production. And in a company press release it outlines ‘peripheral engine parts; in-engine parts; and parts in cooling systems, transmissions, axles or chassis’ as conceivable uses of metal 3D printing in automotive.
Deuschle also stressed the importance of being able to display spare parts, like the thermostat cover, for visitors to its facilities. Moreover, being able to manufacture a part quickly and at an cost-effective rate will please both producer and customer when a spare part is ordered.
“The availability of spare parts during a workshop visit is essential for our customers – no matter how old the truck is, or where it is located,” he added. “The particular added value of 3D printing technology is that it considerably increases speed and flexibility, especially when producing spare and special parts. This gives us completely new possibilities for offering our customers spare parts rapidly and at attractive prices, even long after series production has ceased.”
