GM Opens Additive Industrialization Center Dedicated to AM for the Automotive Sector

General Motors (GM), Detroit, Michigan has announced the opening its Additive Industrialization Center (AIC), a new 1,400 m2 (15,000 ft2) facility dedicated to Additive Manufacturing for the automotive industry located at the GM Tech Center in Warren, Michigan.

The AIC aims to validate AM technologies and applications, focusing on evolving AM machinery and equipment. GM Ventures and GM R&D are collaborative partners with the AIC, supporting an integrated, enterprising approach to adopting accelerated product development and tooling.

The facility houses twenty-four AM machines that provide metal and polymer solutions for a number of processes, including Laser Beam Powder Bed Fusion (PBF-LB) and Material Extrusion (MEX)-based process, Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF).

“The core component of GM’s transformation is becoming a more agile, innovative company, and 3D printing will play a critical role in that mission,” stated Audley Brown, GM director of Additive Design and Materials Engineering. “Compared to traditional processes, 3D printing can produce parts in a matter of days versus weeks or months at a significantly lower cost.”

Ron Daul, GM director of Additive Manufacturing and Polymer Centers, commented, “GM is increasingly applying the benefits of 3D printing, from prototype development to manufacturing tooling and production vehicles. With the opening of the AIC, we’ll continue to accelerate adoption of this technology across the organization.”