Normal Motors has expanded its use of additive manufacturing past prototyping to incorporate practical elements in manufacturing automobiles. The Cadillac CELESTIQ, a hand-built electrical sedan, options greater than 130 parts produced by means of 3D printing processes. This software represents a major step in GM’s manufacturing strategy for low-volume luxurious automobiles.
The CELESTIQ’s steering wheel heart stands as GM’s largest 3D-printed steel manufacturing half up to now. Created utilizing steel laser powder mattress fusion know-how, this element covers the entrance face of the steering wheel with a end that will be troublesome to attain by means of conventional manufacturing strategies. The know-how makes use of lasers to infuse layers of steel, enabling complicated geometries not potential with standard methods.
The car additionally incorporates a 3D-printed seat belt adjustable information loop, which GM identifies as its first additive-manufactured steel security element. This half acquired the Award of Distinction within the Automotive—Electrical Automobile Class for Steel AM parts from the Steel Powders Business Federation in 2024. In response to Brennon White, GM technical specialist, “Utilizing additive manufacturing allowed us to consolidate a number of elements into one steady piece. Not solely is it effortlessly stunning, however the half can be extremely robust.”
GM’s additive manufacturing operations are centered on the Additive Industrialization Heart in Warren, Michigan. Opened in December 2020, the 15,000-square-foot facility homes over 20 machines for printing each polymer and steel supplies. Most CELESTIQ 3D-printed parts, together with window switches, seize handles, and console decor, are initially developed at this heart.
The corporate has beforehand utilized 3D printing in different automobiles. Cadillac’s V-Collection Blackwing fashions had been the primary GM manufacturing automobiles to incorporate 3D-printed elements, that includes a medallion on the handbook shifter knob. The know-how can be utilized in GM’s motorsports automobiles, together with these of the Cadillac Racing crew.
Supply: information.gm.com
