Additive manufacturing is helping automakers come up with design mock-ups faster and cheaper than ever before, and Rivian is going all in on the technology. The California startup has spent over $5 million on 3D printers, using the machines to build tangible prototypes of various parts significantly faster than going down the traditional route, which involves at least one external supplier and big, expensive stamping equipment.
But Rivian is just getting started. In an interview with CNBC, Jared Beck, the startup’s head of additive manufacturing, said that the company doesn’t have a choice but to scale up and begin using it across all factions. “We’re going to be democratizing 3D printing for the entire company,” Beck said.
So far, the R2’s maker has used 3D printers on a relatively small scale at its facility in Detroit, Michigan. The R2’s steering wheel was first printed using additive manufacturing before becoming a metal part. The technology has also been used to make electric motors for fluid testing, screw guides for tooling, stamping press inserts, and some production parts, like trim pieces, for early builds.
For the next step, Rivian is installing new 3D printers that can build flexible silicone parts. At its factory in Normal, Illinois, where its entire lineup is being assembled, the startup is adding a bay of machines, enabling employees to print parts on demand. “3D prints should be readily available for every engineer so that they can make a part and get it in their hands as soon as possible,” said Beck for CNBC.
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