Daimler Trucks North America launches 3D printed parts program
This week, Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) announced it will make its first delivery of 3D printed parts to customers in the coming weeks as part of a new pilot program.
The company, which has been using 3D printing to print plastic parts for Mercedes-Benz Trucks and Daimler Buses, is launching a pilot phase with a controlled quantity of 3D printed parts to gain feedback from customers and technicians, and also collect data on part performance, to assess demand for 3D printed parts.
DTNA has partnered with 3D printing service bureau, Technology House, to print the first parts such as nameplates, map pockets, and plastic covers, using selective laser sintering (SLS). The parts have been validated to meet durability requirements and Daimler says many will appear no different to the untrained eye.
Daimler Buses
Daimler 3D printing interior parts
Sample 3D printed stowage compartment for banknotes for Daimler Buses.
DTNA is also creating a digital warehouse of parts which can be printed on demand when needed. This will result in shorter lead times, cutting the manufacturing process and lead-times from an average of 2-4 weeks to just a few days. This digital warehouse will reduce the need to store tooling, increase up-time for customers experiencing long wait times for a hard-to-find parts, and also reduce the need for a physical part inventory.
“Over the past 5 years, DTNA has made significant financial and intellectual investments in the supply chain network in order to deliver parts to our customers faster than ever before," Jay Johnson, general manager, aftermarket supply chain, Daimler Trucks North America explained. "The addition of three new PDCs coupled with dedicated delivery service puts us on the path toward achieving this objective. We realise that we must continue to innovate and we will invest in new processes including 3D printing. What DTNA is launching today with 3D printing is only the beginning as we continue to develop this technology in our quest to be the benchmark for parts availability."
