BMW to Open Pilot Plant for 3D Parts

BMW AG plans to open an additive manufacturing (3D-printing) campus early next year in Germany.

The carmaker is investing more than €10 million ($12 million) in the center, which will be located in an existing building just north of Munich. The 65,000-sq-ft operation will centralize BMW’s 3D manufacturing expertise in a single location that can accommodate as many as 80 people and more than 30 industrial systems for metals and plastics.

BMW says it will operate the center similar to a pilot plant to test and develop manufacturing processes and train workers. The facility will produce a mix of parts for prototype, production and customized applications.

The new center also will support and share information with BMW assembly plants. The carmaker, which currently uses additive manufacturing to make prototype components on location at plants in China, Thailand and the U.S., aims to expand the practice to localized small production runs, custom components and country-specific parts.

BMW began experimenting with 3D-printed parts in 1991 on select concept vehicles. In recent years the company has begun using the technology on low-volume production models, including the i8 electric roadster and a customization program for its Mini brand.

The carmaker also has partnered with several 3D technology companies. Recent deals include investments in Carbon, Desktop Metal and Xometry.