Mass-customisation: A cost-effective choice using Additive Manufacturing
September 23, 2019
The most powerful aspect of additive manufacturing for a designer is the freedom to create complex forms and the ability to cost-effectively produce low-volume/or mass-customisation.
The most powerful aspect of additive manufacturing for a designer is the freedom to create complex forms and the ability to cost-effectively produce low-volume/or mass-customisation.
One of the many benefits HP Multi-Jet Fusion (MJF) 3D printing offers is its ability to bring customisation to a multitude of products.
Car manufacturer BMW MINI is a great example of customisation never seen before in mainstream car production. The new “MINI Yours” range allows owners to design and personalise sections of their cars using HP MJF 3D printing technology.
The easy-to-use online configuration lets MINI customers manipulate their designs, by adding personalised touches to the side indicator inlays and dashboard trim.
Each of the customisable 3D printed pieces is subject to the same crash and durability tests as any other item of trim. This means no piece should break, chip, fracture or fade for the useable life of the car.
Customisation using 3D printing has been an ideal fit for MINI, with many of their customers having a unique and profound connection with their cars. For the future, it’s suggested that MINI will continue its use of 3D printing for other components that pack efficiently into a 3D printing build chamber. This platform provides a more cost-effective alternative for low volume manufacturing quantities. And once 3D printing gets a foot in the door, conversations about changing part designs and optimising for Additive Manufacturing will allow for even greater benefits, such as assembly consolidation and lightweight designs.
Author
Craig Alexander
Craig leads the marketing and brand strategy at Formero, where he communicates complex manufacturing capabilities in a clear and practical way. He works across Formero’s advanced manufacturing services to create content that informs, educates, and supports engineers, designers, and procurement teams in making confident production decisions.
