Stratasys and General Motors are expanding additive manufacturing across GM facilities to improve tooling, production efficiency and factory operations.
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Stratasys will be rolling out its additive manufacturing technology to more than 20 manufacturing facilities of General Motors (GM) in North and South America. The rollout will allow workers at these facilities to use industrial 3D printing technology to manufacture tooling and certain production parts.
The GM team is currently utilising Stratasys’ Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) technology to manufacture a number of products, including tools, jigs, fixtures and equipment.
One advantage of the technology is that manufacturing teams can develop solutions directly at the plant. Workers can design and print a fixture or tool on-site, test it and make changes to the design if necessary. This approach can help teams respond to manufacturing problems without waiting for conventional tooling to be produced and delivered.
Solutions that have proven successful at one plant can also be used by other General Motors factories that have encountered similar manufacturing issues. This allows successful designs to be replicated across multiple facilities.
Some of the solutions being introduced include Stratasys F900 FDM production printers. The expanded programme will also include materials and software to help integrate 3D printing into existing manufacturing processes.
The technology can help GM teams address manufacturing problems involving repetitive tasks and ergonomics, as well as create customised production equipment. Local production of tools and fixtures may also shorten manufacturing response times.
Doneen McDowell, GM North America Full Size Truck and Large SUV Assembly Operations and Manufacturing Vice President, stated that the tools allow employees to develop solutions within their production lines and replicate successful ideas at other GM plants. Business Honor observes that Stratasys’ expansion shows how 3D printing is becoming part of everyday factory operations, helping GM produce tools and fixtures locally.
FAQs
Where is GM using Stratasys 3D printing?
Across more than 20 manufacturing sites in North and South America.
What does GM use the 3D printers for?
Applications include tools, jigs, fixtures, factory aids and selected finished parts.
What is the benefit of printing tools locally?
Teams can design, produce, evaluate and modify solutions without waiting for conventional tooling.
Which Stratasys printer is being deployed?
The Stratasys F900 FDM industrial production printer is among the systems being used.
Can successful designs be shared between plants?
Yes. Solutions developed at one facility can be reproduced at other GM sites facing similar needs.
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