There are a variety of large-scale metal 3D printing systems to choose from nowadays, but one of the earlier companies to offer 3D printing on a massive scale was Additive Industries, which introduced its MetalFAB1 system in 2015. With a build envelope of 420 x 420 x 400 mm, the MetalFAB1 was one of the largest metal 3D printers available at the time. It also features multiple build chambers, offering a means for manufacturers to utilize 3D printing for industrial-scale production.
Additive Industries has become a valued partner in the automotive industry, working with Switzerland’s Sauber F1 team to produce components for its race cars. Now the company has announced a partnership with Volkswagen, which is no stranger to 3D printing itself.
“We see great potential for 3D metal printing of a broad range of car parts and tooling and have joined forces in Volkswagen internally to increase our facility seven fold to be prepared for the digital future,” said Klaus-Jürgen Herzberg, Betriebsrat.
Additive Industries will work with the Volkswagen Group to 3D print advanced tooling and spare parts.
“The investment in the most modern 3D printing equipment allows us to continue to be front-runners in toolmaking and give our craftsmen access to the latest technology,” said Oliver Pohl, Department Manager.
In September, Additive Industries installed its fully automated and integrated MetalFAB1 system in Wolfsburg, and the first 3D printed products have been produced after intense training for the Volkswagen team.
“For Additive Industries, the partnership with Volkswagen, the world’s largest car maker is a confirmation of our strategy to accelerate industrial additive manufacturing and focus on innovators in their markets,” said Daan Kersten, CEO of Additive Industries.
Additive Industries was established in 2012 in Eindhoven, the Netherlands. Founders Kersten and Jonas Wintermans built the company on the principles of “open innovation,” dedicating a team of professionals to accelerating the industrialization of additive manufacturing. The company has seen its technology successfully used in the aerospace, automotive, medical technology and high-tech equipment industries.
“We are proud to work closely with the Volkswagen team in Wolfsburg to execute on our roadmap for manufacturing excellence and expansion of the metal additive manufacturing footprint,” said Jan-Cees Santema, Sales Director Europe for Additive Industries.
With access to Additive Industries’ technology, Volkswagen will benefit from the ability to produce tooling and spare parts at rapid rates, accelerating its production and allowing it to make 3D printing a truly pivotal part of its manufacturing processes.
Additive Industries is currently attending formnext, which started today in Frankfurt, Germany and is running until November 16th. If you’re at the show, you can visit the company at booth E40 in Hall 3.0 to learn more about the MetalFAB1 system and its partnership with Volkswagen. 3DPrint.com is at the show as well.
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