[3D Printing News] Volkswagen Autoeuropa: Maximizing Production Efficiency of Jigs and Tools with 3D Printing
Volkswagen Autoeuropa is responsible for manufacturing iconic Volkswagen models like the Scirocco and Sharan, producing over 100,000 vehicles annually. They are now significantly transforming their production processes by leveraging 3D printing technology.
Their 3D printing equipment is utilized daily on the production line, eliminating the need to depend on external suppliers for tools, jigs, and production aids. As a result, they have achieved substantial cost reductions and shortened lead times from several weeks to just a few days.
Manufacturing Support through 3D Printing
The case of Autoeuropa demonstrates the significant value that 3D printing brings to the automotive industry. While 3D printing has traditionally been associated with prototyping, it holds immense potential in manufacturing for creating custom tools, equipment,
and manufacturing support tools such as jigs.
Volkswagen Autoeuropa is responsible for manufacturing iconic Volkswagen models like the Scirocco and Sharan, producing over 100,000 vehicles annually. They are now significantly transforming their production processes by leveraging 3D printing technology.
Their 3D printing equipment is utilized daily on the production line, eliminating the need to depend on external suppliers for tools, jigs, and production aids. As a result, they have achieved substantial cost reductions and shortened lead times from several weeks to just a few days.
Manufacturing Support through 3D Printing
The case of Autoeuropa demonstrates the significant value that 3D printing brings to the automotive industry. While 3D printing has traditionally been associated with prototyping, it holds immense potential in manufacturing for creating custom tools, equipment,
and manufacturing support tools such as jigs.
By utilizing 3D printing, not only can highly complex designs be realized, but rapid adjustments and design changes are also possible without concerns about mold costs or extended lead times.
Since these tools can be optimized according to their specific application, it becomes possible to prioritize functionality and shape over cost and manufacturing time in the design process.
This tire protection jig, which previously cost 800 euros, can now be produced with 3D printing for just 21 euros. Furthermore, tool development time has been reduced from 56 days to 10 days.
Dependence on External Suppliers
Before implementing Ultimaker, Autoeuropa relied on external suppliers for the production of tools, equipment, and jigs.
These companies typically took several weeks from processing design data to tool manufacturing, significantly limiting productivity and negatively impacting workflows.
Moreover, design changes further increased costs. While trial and error are essential in developing new manufacturing aids, external outsourcing made flexible responses difficult and impractical.
Time and Cost Savings with 3D Printing
Since demonstrating its effectiveness in 2014, Autoeuropa now operates seven Ultimaker machines, producing 93% of tools previously manufactured externally in-house.
By utilizing 3D printing, they have successfully reduced tool development costs by 91% and development time by 95%.
Luis Pascoa, plant line manager at Volkswagen Autoeuropa, states:
We can recover our initial investment by producing just a few tools.
This tire protection jig, which previously cost 800 euros, can now be produced with 3D printing for just 21 euros. Furthermore, tool development time has been reduced from 56 days to 10 days.Dependence on External Suppliers
Before implementing Ultimaker, Autoeuropa relied on external suppliers for the production of tools, equipment, and jigs.
These companies typically took several weeks from processing design data to tool manufacturing, significantly limiting productivity and negatively impacting workflows.
Moreover, design changes further increased costs. While trial and error are essential in developing new manufacturing aids, external outsourcing made flexible responses difficult and impractical.
Time and Cost Savings with 3D Printing
Since demonstrating its effectiveness in 2014, Autoeuropa now operates seven Ultimaker machines, producing 93% of tools previously manufactured externally in-house.
By utilizing 3D printing, they have successfully reduced tool development costs by 91% and development time by 95%.
Luis Pascoa, plant line manager at Volkswagen Autoeuropa, states:
We can recover our initial investment by producing just a few tools.
This flip emblem previously took 35 days to develop and cost 400 euros when sourced externally. Meanwhile, this window gauge cost 180 euros per unit but can now be 3D printed for 35 euros.
With 3D printing, this emblem can be completed in just 4 days, with costs reduced to 10 euros. Additionally, development time has been shortened from 8 days to 6 days.
Since 2016, the factory has achieved cost savings of 150,000 euros, with an anticipated saving of 250,000 euros in 2017. The initial investment for Ultimaker implementation was recovered in just two months.
In addition to these time and cost reductions, 3D printed tools offer superior ergonomics and easy design iteration, allowing for quick integration of feedback from workers.
As a result, unprecedented levels of production efficiency have been achieved. The 3D printed tools developed at Volkswagen Autoeuropa are recognized as best practices within the Volkswagen Group.
Transforming Workflows
The ability to produce tools in-house has allowed Autoeuropa to collaborate directly with development personnel on new ideas and tool improvements without involving the procurement department. Previously, only a limited number of ideas could be rapidly implemented.
New tools can be printed overnight and tested on the production line the following morning. Feedback can then be incorporated into the design, allowing for iterative improvements until the ideal tool is achieved.
Another significant advantage is the ability to reproduce tools at a low cost as many times as needed.
The ability to 3D print manufacturing aids overnight and test them the next morning significantly accelerates development speed.
3D Printing and Manufacturing Industry
3D printing holds the potential to revolutionize the manufacturing industry. By integrating 3D printers in-house, prototypes, tools, and final product components can be rapidly produced at a fraction of the cost of outsourcing.
Utilizing desktop 3D printing allows manufacturing companies to streamline their production processes and achieve even greater efficiency.
Luis Pascoa states:
Ultimaker offers a solution that delivers high quality and high-standard results at a low cost. If utilized across the entire automotive industry, its potential would be enormous!
The case of Volkswagen Autoeuropa clearly demonstrates how 3D printing can transform the workflow of automotive manufacturers. If you are interested in learning how Ultimaker can bring value to your business, please feel free to contact us.
With 3D printing, this emblem can be completed in just 4 days, with costs reduced to 10 euros. Additionally, development time has been shortened from 8 days to 6 days.
Since 2016, the factory has achieved cost savings of 150,000 euros, with an anticipated saving of 250,000 euros in 2017. The initial investment for Ultimaker implementation was recovered in just two months.
In addition to these time and cost reductions, 3D printed tools offer superior ergonomics and easy design iteration, allowing for quick integration of feedback from workers.
As a result, unprecedented levels of production efficiency have been achieved. The 3D printed tools developed at Volkswagen Autoeuropa are recognized as best practices within the Volkswagen Group.
Transforming Workflows
The ability to produce tools in-house has allowed Autoeuropa to collaborate directly with development personnel on new ideas and tool improvements without involving the procurement department. Previously, only a limited number of ideas could be rapidly implemented.
New tools can be printed overnight and tested on the production line the following morning. Feedback can then be incorporated into the design, allowing for iterative improvements until the ideal tool is achieved.
Another significant advantage is the ability to reproduce tools at a low cost as many times as needed.
The ability to 3D print manufacturing aids overnight and test them the next morning significantly accelerates development speed.3D Printing and Manufacturing Industry
3D printing holds the potential to revolutionize the manufacturing industry. By integrating 3D printers in-house, prototypes, tools, and final product components can be rapidly produced at a fraction of the cost of outsourcing.
Utilizing desktop 3D printing allows manufacturing companies to streamline their production processes and achieve even greater efficiency.
Luis Pascoa states:
Ultimaker offers a solution that delivers high quality and high-standard results at a low cost. If utilized across the entire automotive industry, its potential would be enormous!
The case of Volkswagen Autoeuropa clearly demonstrates how 3D printing can transform the workflow of automotive manufacturers. If you are interested in learning how Ultimaker can bring value to your business, please feel free to contact us.