8.4.2019. Audi expands the use of 3D-printers in the production of Individually designed and printed locally, the support tools from the 3D printer, the employees in the production lines. In the future, a separate Department is in charge of the implementation at the site in Neckarsulm.
In the R8 factory in the Böllinger höfe, the team of experts of the start – up / analysis centre the plastic-3D-printer already fixed: In close cooperation with the colleagues at the line you develop ideas for new or optimized assistance. The Team, led by project Manager Waldemar Hirsch designed the tools directly on site and prints them with a 3D printer. In December, the team of experts tested these fast and uncomplicated Service in a one-week Workshop for large-scale production in the factory. They developed several hundred applications, which is a considerable savings potential by printed tools.
“With the establishment of a separate Department for 3D printing, we professionalize the already successful ongoing project. In the future, even more employees can benefit from the experienced team of experts, and the individual tools,“ says Helmut Stettner, plant Manager Neckarsulm. Audi is pushing ahead with the project, but also active in the cultural change: The line employees are directly involved in the creation process of 3D printing tools.
To provide the employees and their needs at the centre, is for deer is a top priority: “If we construct a prototype, is particularly important to us, the desire of colleagues to implement,” he explains. “Our goal is to be able to the Audianern the auxiliary tool as quickly as possible from the 3D printer and assist them in their daily work.”
The process is a further component in the digital Transformation of the company and represents, for Audi an important step in the transformation of production to the modern Smart Factory. The use of The technology of the future increases the flexibility, efficiency, and also allows the customisation of the products according to the employees ‘ suggestions. “The decision for the new Department, we support the establishment of a multi-site network. That benefits, finally, the entire Volkswagen group of the Neckar Ulmer Expertise,“ says Stettner.
Audi plastic 3D printing (photo: AUDI AG)
