Porsche is addressing the problem of supplying parts to rare and low number cars that have low to no inventory of spares by utilizing 3D printing.
It used to be that if you wanted a part that was no longer made by the manufacturer, you either had to source a viable aftermarket replacement, somehow make or repair the part yourself, or paint yourself into a corner and abandon the project altogether. But according to Porsche on their latest press release they dropped earlier this week (Feb 12, 2018) they’re harnessing the power of 3D printing to address this problem of coming up with spare parts as needed when there are low to no inventory in stock. Check out a couple of preliminary pieces of Porsche approved parts that they’ve already made below.
https://twitter.com/Passion2Porsche/status/963385692394057730
In the grand scheme of things, 3D printing is a relatively new manufacturing process first developed and used 37 years ago in 1981. Since then, the technology and affordability of 3D printing has reached a point where even the average Joe can 3D print an item from the comfort of their own home. This period in 3D printing innovation also means that manufacturers, like Porsche, are starting to incorporate 3D printing as a way to reduce costs and increase overall efficiency in the manufacturing process of spare parts.
The Porsche Classic range currently includes some 52,000 parts. If a certain spare part is no longer in stock or stock is dwindling, it is reproduced using the original tools. For larger quantities, production may require the use of new tools. However, ensuring the supply of spare parts that are only required in very limited numbers sometimes poses a major challenge, even for the experts. Producing small batches using new tools would be largely inefficient.
Enter 3D printing. By using a special selective laser melting process that lays a fine layer of powdery tool steel (amongst other materials used) a part can be built up milliliter by milliliter until a new part is made. The resulting product meets all the practical tests carried out by Porsche to ensure quality and durability thus sidestepping the expensive process of lugging out the old machining techniques and saving time and money.
Right now there are only a handful of parts Porsche is making with 3D printing but they do have plans to introduce 20 more new parts for classic Porsches soon.
This is the future of parts departments. Can you imagine having zero inventory of parts available, only hoppers of material and a 3D printer in the corner ready to make a part at a moments notice? Need a fuel cap, wait a couple of minutes. How about a coil spring, I’m sure there’s a way to 3D print one in the future.
