SLM Solutions Group announces the recent installation of two SLM®500 metal systems at the renowned German technology leader, Robert Bosch GmbH Nuremberg. Bosch intends to accelerate its use of AM in the automotive industry. At the 3D-MPC Manufacturing and Processing Center in Nuremberg, Germany, Bosch will use its new systems to produce parts for its powertrain technology, including custom aluminium parts for hydrogen technology and electric drive productions.
The centre is in charge of producing components and parts for prototype and serial applications using Additive Manufacturing (AM).
AM in the Automotive Industry
The SLM®500 metal systems will significantly increase BOSCH's output for aluminium parts in AlSi10Mg, allowing them to handle larger lot sizes and thus accelerate revenue. Because they are constantly producing heavy-duty jobs, they require a dependable machine base that meets high-performance output and overall equipment effectiveness requirements (OEE).
Dr. Christina Bluemel, Manager of the NuP1 3DP Manufacturing and Processing Center commented, “A high OEE, a resilient machine design, and our good quality processes are the keys for AM-production.”
“We are more than thrilled to partner with Bosch, a real technology powerhouse. They understand the revolutionary potential of additive manufacturing and trust the power and reliability of SLM Solutions systems. We are genuinely excited to support Bosch to accelerate the implementation of additive solutions across its entire portfolio of products and solutions."
- Sam O'Leary, CEO, SLM Solutions
Bosch's is not restricting the use of AM in the automotive industry but it will also go beyond the industry: finding parallel success in using SLM® technology with their 3DPSPACE Startup, which produces parts for the space sector.
The SLM®500 metal systems, the market's first quad-laser metal system, can integrate lasers independently or in parallel to increase build rates by 90 percent over twin laser configurations. The exchangeable build cylinder, designed for serial production, allows for the shortest possible fire to fire times, reducing machine downtime to a bare minimum. A closed-loop powder handling strategy, which includes an automated powder sieve and supply, separates the machine operator and the powder. The SLM®500 is the most powerful and efficient system in its class.
About Bosch: The Bosch Group is a global leader in technology and services. It has approximately 402,600 associates worldwide (as of December 31, 2021). In 2021, the company's sales were $93.1 billion. Mobility Solutions, Industrial Technology, Consumer Goods, and Energy and Building Technology are its four business sectors.
