XONE - Volkswagen to use 3D printers to help make future vehicles

Sean Gallup/Getty Images News Volkswagen (VLKAF) announces that it plans to use a new 3D printing process in vehicle production in the coming years. The German automaker will use a new process called binder jetting to manufacture components at the company’s main plant in Wolfsburg, Germany. "Whereas conventional 3D printing uses a laser to build a component layer by layer from metallic powder, the binder jetting process uses an adhesive. The resulting metallic component is then heated and shaped. Using the binder jetting component reduces costs and increases productivity – for example, the components weigh only half as much as those made from sheet steel." Volkswagen is noted to be the only car maker using the 3D printing technology. HP (HPQ) is providing the high-tech printers needed and Siemens (SIEGY) the special software for additive manufacturing. The move into 3D by the world's biggest automaker could be a positive for ARK Invest's

For further details see:

Volkswagen to use 3D printers to help make future vehicles