Mercedes-Benz Trucks has established the use of a 3D printer to produce high-quality plastic spare parts. The manufacturer intends to apply the latest 3D printing process as the standard production method in the Customer Services & Parts sector. By means of this cutting edge technology it’s possible to make a one-piece demand for the required spare parts quickly and economically.
The Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) printing process, designed by the Daimler research and development divisions, is responsible for the high standards of product. The 3D printers play an essential role in the after-sales. They secure efficient supply of spare parts for model series, which are no longer produced. The use of a conventional manufacturing method for this purpose is uneconomical, as the necessary production facilities and tools often have to be retained and maintained for years. And the 3D printing process in turn makes any spare part available on demand at short notice all over the world. Moreover, every 3D-printed spare part receives the special spare part number under which it can be ordered for supply in future.
As a result, Mercedes-Benz innovative rigs become more environmentally friendly and resource-conserving. Its innovative spare parts can be produced without material surpluses, the disposal of which is very complex.
