Rapid Manufacturing im Automobilbau

Abstract

Automotive industry is characterised by a variety of complex product offers. While the economics of derivatives of large-series vehicles can be depicted by strategies of non-variable components or platforms, small-series vehicles display far more difficult conditions whereas. Specific individuality and therefore an independent character necessitates a variety of vehicle equipment and volumes. These in turn require many different design variants in small piece numbers which are often subject to geometric alterations in short cycles. This is where generative processes with features such as a high degree of alteration flexibility and process speed offer the possibility to realise economical manufacturing processes while dispensing with conventional tools (Rapid Manufacturing). The generative processes currently available for manufacturing small-series components are examined and evaluated at regular intervals. This contribution uses these technological analyses as a basis for providing comprehensive information on the current state of the art in terms of automobile manufacturing and displaying potentials for further development as regards materials and system technology.