--- title: "Automakers adopt 3D printing for reduced costs and increased speed" url: https://noti.group/automakers-adopt-3d-printing-for-reduced-costs-and-increased-speed/ language: en publisher: "Noti Group" section: "Business" published: 2026-10-31T12:00:01.000Z updated: 2026-10-31T14:39:39.422Z id: c9c9e27a-b8bb-4564-b5ae-a117a7441919 source: "CNBC https://www.cnbc.com/2026/10/31/automakers-3d-printing-ford-rivian-gm.html" attribution: "Link to https://noti.group/automakers-adopt-3d-printing-for-reduced-costs-and-increased-speed/ and name Noti Group when you quote or summarize this story." --- # Automakers adopt 3D printing for reduced costs and increased speed Rivian Automotive is investing heavily in 3D printing capabilities, which allows for greater flexibility in production and significant cost savings compared to traditional methods. Automakers are increasingly adopting 3D printing as a key component of their manufacturing operations, citing its ability to reduce costs and increase speed. The technology has been gaining traction in the automotive industry, with major players such as Ford Motor and Rivian Automotive investing heavily in 3D printing capabilities. This shift towards additive manufacturing is expected to have far-reaching implications for the sector. Rivian's head of additive manufacturing, Jared Beck, notes that the company is scaling up its use of 3D printing across all areas of operations. According to Beck, this move aims to democratize access to 3D printing within the company. The process itself involves creating three-dimensional objects from digital designs by layering materials such as plastics, composites, and metals. This allows for greater flexibility in production and can result in significant cost savings compared to traditional manufacturing methods. Manufacturers are also drawn to the versatility of 3D printers, which can produce individual pieces or large batches of smaller parts depending on the specific requirements of a project. Rivian's investment in 3D printing technology has been substantial, with the company having spent over $5 million on machines alone. The cost of materials for its operations has also increased to around $1.7 million annually. Despite these costs, Beck believes that the machines typically pay for themselves within a year. One key advantage of 3D printing is that it can help reduce expenses in several areas, including supplier tooling costs and logistics expenses. The technology also enables production times for parts to be significantly reduced, from weeks to just days or even hours. This rapid turnaround has been particularly beneficial for Rivian's operations, where speed is a major priority. Rivian has expanded its 3D printing capabilities in recent times, with the addition of new machines capable of producing flexible silicone parts. The company has also set up a dedicated bay at its Illinois plant where employees can print parts on demand as needed. Ford has taken a decentralized approach to additive manufacturing by establishing departments for this technology at multiple plants across its operations. These departments are responsible for producing and distributing parts as needed, streamlining the process and reducing reliance on centralized facilities. A prime example of this strategy is the vending machine set up near Ford's Dearborn, Michigan headquarters, which dispenses 3D-printed parts directly to production lines building F-150 pickup trucks. The vending machine is stocked by Ford's 3D-printing teams, who also help develop new parts and tools designed by employees using in-house software. Employees can request specific auto parts or tools through an app, which are then printed on demand, eliminating the need for inventory storage and reducing production time. The benefits of 3D printing in the automotive industry are becoming increasingly apparent as companies like Ford continue to explore its potential. By creating tools with this technology, automakers can design them on demand, reducing production time and often lowering costs. In some cases, 3D-printed parts have allowed production to carry on uninterrupted even when a permanent replacement was not readily available. For example, a large machining wheel that was urgently needed to maintain assembly line production was successfully printed until a supplier could provide a more durable alternative. While the performance of these interim parts may not be comparable to their traditionally manufactured counterparts, they served as a vital stopgap solution in critical situations. This highlights the versatility and adaptability of 3D printing technology in responding to unexpected needs. As Ford expands its use of this technology, it expects to deploy 3D labs at more than 23 plants by year's end, representing a significant escalation of its current program. The company's existing 3D-printing initiative has already grown to encompass over 200 machines, with additional printers operating outside the official program. General Motors has been utilizing 3D printing for various components of its high-end vehicles, including the Cadillac Celestiq and performance-oriented Blackwing sedans. Specifically, the company uses this technology to produce over 135 custom parts for these models. According to Fadi Abro, senior global director of automotive and mobility at Stratasys, GM's adoption of 3D printing is an exemplary case of how companies can standardize and scale up their use of this technology. This approach has led to significant improvements in material properties, expanding the potential applications for these components. --- Source: [CNBC](https://www.cnbc.com/2026/10/31/automakers-3d-printing-ford-rivian-gm.html) Published by Noti Group: https://noti.group/automakers-adopt-3d-printing-for-reduced-costs-and-increased-speed/