At the end of the year, Ford's first all-electric volume model in Europe will roll off the production line in Cologne. To support its production, the US carmaker has opened a new 3D printing centre in the cathedral city. Here, a dozen state-of-the-art 3d printers produce plastic and metal parts.
These range from parts a few centimetres long and weighing 30 grams, to parts 2.4 metres long, 1.2 metres wide and 1 metre high weighing 15 kilos. When asked, Ford reveals that it uses several printers from key suppliers in this industry. 'Selection of the right printer and most efficient material is done based on our specific application needs. We work with suppliers to guide printer development and we even test printers in their beta phase. Furthermore, we use all print material concepts, including powder, filament, pellets and resin,' a spokesperson informed.
The 12 new printers print tools and holders for car production. These include measuring instruments for checking dimensions, stencils for applying the Ford logo and, in the future, gripping structures that serve as attachments for robots in body construction. Parts for pilot and small-series cars can also be manufactured at the new 3D printing centre.