Maximizing Production Efficiency with 3D Printing
By using 3D printed tools, jigs, and fixtures, Volkswagen Autoeuropa reduces cycle time operation, labor, and the need for reworking, while improving tool ergonomics. Furthermore, they achieve this at a tenth of the usual cost. The company estimates that they saved over $400,000 in 2017 while achieving a 91% cost reduction and 95% time savings.
Before incorporating 3D printing technology, Volkswagen spent an average of $980 per part. Now, it's costing them an average of $26 per part. And because they no longer have to work with external suppliers, the average project duration for developing a new part went from 56 days to 10 days.
Read the full case study here.