GM Commits to 3D-printed Parts, Pandemic with Stratasys
Stratasys 3D printers used to produce prototype parts for C8 Corvette, GM’s real test involved tooling ventilator parts.
GM is no stranger to 3D printing. The General bought its first printers to produce prototype parts for many vehicles more than 30 years ago. Such parts built the foundation for all of the parts we can buy today for our LS- and LT-powered rides, including the engines themselves.
Since then, GM has boosted its investment in 3D printing, including 17 Stratasys printers back in December 2019. The printers were intended to help the company take things to the next level with tooling. However, the greatest test would come just a few months into 2020.
“With the pace of change in modern industry accelerating and business uncertainty increasing, 3D printing technology is helping us meet these challenges and become more nimble as a company,” said GM Director of Additive Manufacturing, Ron Daul, in a statement. “Additive manufacturing is consistently providing us more rapid and efficient product development, tooling and assembly aids, with even more benefits to come.”
Before the pandemic, the most well-known use of 3D printing was in the development of the C8 Corvette. In fact, 75% of the parts on the prototype ‘Vettes popped out of the printers.
GM and the new Stratasys printers met their greatest test in April.
With few ventilators available to keep COVID-19 patients alive then, the General stepped up to 3D-print tooling for reverse-engineered ventilator parts. On a contract with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 30,000 units are scheduled to arrive in hospitals by the end of August.
And when things get to be too much, production is sent to Stratasys via an automatic offload path. This keeps everything moving along in the fight against the pandemic.
“GM is making the smart investments in 3D printing to succeed in this new normal of uncertainty and disruption,” said Stratasys Americas President Rich Garrity. “As a result, GM has manufacturing lines that are more adaptable and less expensive, and products that are developed faster and better. They are a clear model for the future of additive manufacturing in the automotive industry.”
Photos: General Motors; Cameron Aubernon for LS1Tech
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