The automotive industry’s embrace of additive manufacturing continues to grow, with BMW, a leading luxury car manufacturer, announcing its adoption of Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) to enhance its production processes.
While BMW has been no stranger to additive manufacturing, having previously utilized laser powder bed fusion technology for various applications, including in Olympic sports and bicycle production, the latest development marks a significant expansion into WAAM.
The company has been actively exploring WAAM since 2015 and has been conducting trials with a WAAM cell provided by MX3D since 2021 at its Additive Manufacturing Campus in Oberschleißheim. Now, BMW aims to leverage WAAM’s capabilities for the production of larger components, capitalizing on its potential to reduce emissions and enhance efficiency.
Jens Ertel, Head of BMW Additive Manufacturing, highlights the environmental benefits of WAAM, citing lower emissions, reduced component weight, efficient material usage, and the option to utilize renewable energy sources in the production process.
BMW plans to commence testing of end-use parts, particularly those for the body, drive, and chassis areas, with vehicle trials slated to begin in 2025. The company also intends to combine WAAM with generative design techniques to maximize the potential of the technology.
Karol Virsik, Head of BMW Group Vehicle Research, expresses enthusiasm for the evolution of WAAM technology, emphasizing its transformation from a research tool to a flexible solution for both test and series production components. The integration of generative design methods further enhances the design freedom afforded by WAAM, opening up new possibilities for innovation in automotive manufacturing.
BMW’s commitment to additive manufacturing extends beyond WAAM, with ongoing advancements in technologies such as laser powder bed fusion showcased in recent endeavors like the BMW Vision Neue, which incorporated AM for lighting and interior components.
The expansion into WAAM underscores BMW’s dedication to leveraging cutting-edge technologies to drive innovation and efficiency in automotive manufacturing. For further details, refer to the official press release from BMW.
