Daimler pilots on-demand 3D-printed parts

Daimler Trucks North America has begun making the first deliveries of 3D-printed plastic parts to customers as part of a pilot programme. The company sees 3D printing, in particular on-demand, as a means of fulfilling parts which are difficult to provide through traditional supply chain models, “such as those for older trucks or parts with very low or intermittent demand”. Jay Johnson, general manager for the company’s aftermarket supply chain, said the pilot was “only the beginning as we continue to develop this technology”. Daimler has partnered with the 3D printing specialist Technology House and has made the first parts using the selective laser sintering process.