Colloquia

Samenvatting

Metal Additive Manufacturing (MAM) is a rapidly developing technology with the potential to revolutionise the automotive industry. MAM can be used to produce lightweight, high-performance, and customised automotive parts and components, as well as more efficient and sustainable manufacturing processes. This research aims to evaluate the viability and sustainability of applying MAM within the automotive sector for the production of ≥ 2500 parts / year. The study was conducted on the basis of the input of the automotive company Lightyear (Helmond, The Netherlands). A model has been developed to guide engineers in selecting a financially viable manufacturing method. It allows engineers to assess early in the design stage whether MAM is a viable option for high-volume metal part production, requiring only rough estimates of the part. The model supports further integration of MAM into the manufacturing of automotive vehicles, highlighting the importance of designing parts to take advantage of the benefits that come with MAM, such as part consolidation and weight optimisation. One of the key findings underscores the importance of harnessing the design advantages offered by MAM to ensure cost efficiency. Furthermore, the research validates the viability of MAM, even at its current development stage, emphasising its potential for substantial cost savings throughout a product’s life cycle. During the manufacturing phase, significant manufacturing cost reductions can be achieved. The cost estimation model developed enables engineers to make informed decisions in the early stages of design, promoting further integration of MAM into the automotive production landscape. In summary, this research reaffirms that MAM has significant promise and can be effectively applied within the automotive industry, showcasing its potential to drive substantial cost efficiencies throughout a product’s life cycle.