For many years, 3D printing has been an important part of the automotive development process. As additive manufacturing technologies are growing more workable and affordable, companies are now able to bring additive manufacturing in-house to support processes on the factory floor.
But 3D printing can add enormous value also to supply chains, unlocking a broad spectrum of production applications and we’re starting to see 3D printing play a vital role in driving innovation across multiple facets of automobile production.
In this webinar, Christian Kleylein, Technologist at Brose, one of the largest family-owned Tier 1 automotive suppliers, and Bruno Alves, Additive Manufacturing Expert at Ford will share how 3D printing is powering innovation across the automotive industry, from design to manufacturing and beyond.
Christian Kleylein began his career in 3D Printing at the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg studying mechanical engineering. Laser Sintering of new and uncommon polymers was the focus of his studies to earn a Master’s degree. At Brose Fahrzeugteile, Christian is responsible for scouting, qualifying and developing additive manufactured components as part of Brose’s mechatronic components. His major goal is to implement polymer additive manufacturing as part of the automotive supply chain at Brose. On the road to series manufacturing Christian improves advanced rapid prototyping solutions to the Brose Group focused on high-performance polymers and compound solutions. Prototypes made from technical polymers allow Brose to faster develop, verify and implement design advances in existing and new products. Christian is looking forward to working with the Fuse 1.
Bruno Alves began his career with Ford of Europe in 2011, becoming a member of the Rapid Prototyping Team in 2012. Based in Cologne, Germany, he is responsible for the rapid creation of prototype parts for future vehicles in development with Ford Design and engineering at Ford’s Rapid Technology Center in Merkenich. A graduate of the ESTG Politécnico de Leiria, Portugal, Alves holds a Degree in Mechanical Engineering and advanced education in High Injection Molding. Alves has received the 2013 Ford Award of Engineering Excellence for the use of hybrid tooling for high injection, the 2016 VEV Technical Award for AM tools, the Henry Ford Operational Excellence Award 2017, and lately the 2019 Recognition Award (AM Steering wheel) + 2019 Operation Excellence Award - Maker Space Merkenich + 2019 HFTA Award - Ford Additive Manufacturing Focus Jigs On his career, one of the biggest events was the Ford 3D Printing Innovation Tour on the 6 big Markets. Alves was the spokesperson talking to thousands of people, including Journalists and social media, showing how Additive Manufacturing is accelerating the delivery of new Ford products.