Bentley Motors, one of the most sought-after luxury car brand in the world, revealed that it is investing $3.4 million to expand its 3D printing capability. The investment will do into doubling its Additive Manufacturing capacity at the company’s headquarters in Crewe, England. Its state-of-the-art AM facility has churned out more than 15,000 components in 2021 alone.
The aim is to enable Bentley to utilise advanced technology to create 3D printed vehicle components and even greater personalisation in customer cars.
Investment to Expand 3D Printing Capability
Bentley has realised the potential and impact 3D printing has on sustainability and so by investing in expanding its 3D printing capability, it aims to remain at the forefront of technological progress.
In order to leverage the potential of the technology, Bentley’s R&D team has identified a wide variety of components to print, including on-the-job assisted tools for manufacturing colleagues, such as lightweight sanding blocks in Bentley’s iconic wood shop.
“Bentley’s approach to additive manufacturing is industry-leading and the facility is quickly becoming a cornerstone of our ‘Dream Factory’ ambitions. One of the key benefits is that it is efficiency led, cutting down on the cost and complexity of a myriad of jobs.
– Peter Bosch, Bentley’s Member of the Board for Manufacturing
Bentley uses 3D printing to create physical components for a variety of automotive prototypes, including full-scale powertrain models and aerodynamic wind tunnel models. The advanced techniques were also used to create parts for the record-breaking Bentley models that competed in America’s demanding Pikes Peak Challenge.
The state-of-the-art AM equipment installed allows for a 50% cost savings on parts, and the facility can produce thousands of components in over 25 different material options by operating around the clock. Bentley colleagues across the company are now being offered AM training to learn how they can benefit from using the cutting-edge process in their work.
Bosch added, “This latest investment is also making a significant impact with our colleagues from across the company, helping to create advanced assisted tools to drive continuous improvement throughout manufacturing processes. As we look to the future, there really is huge potential to where this advanced technology can progress, including having a greater ability to personalise parts for our customers and further enhancing the individualisation programme offered on every car.”
Beyond100 strategy
Bentley announced its forward-thinking Beyond100 strategy earlier this year. The ambitious program is based on Bentley’s Five-in-Five plan, which commits the company to launching a new electric model every year beginning in 2025, redefining Bentley’s credentials as the benchmark manufacturer in sustainable luxury mobility.
The most recent methods aid in product development, allowing Bentley to produce a plethora of parts without the need to outsource. It is a component of the company’s ground-breaking Beyond100 strategy, which aims to achieve sustainable mobility leadership by reinventing every aspect of the business.
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