【3D Printing Application】Nissan collaborates with BCN3D, reducing lead time from one week to one day!
Nissan, a global leader in electric vehicle manufacturing, has sold over 320,000 units worldwide, second only to Tesla. NISSAN's 3D printing factory in Barcelona innovatively uses Independent Dual Extruder (IDEX) 3D printing technology to successfully produce 700 types of tools, jigs, and fixtures for its automotive production lines. This has led to significant breakthroughs in both time and cost! Lead times have been reduced from "one week" to "one day," and costs have dropped by "20 times." Let's take a look at three key tools:
The team at NISSAN's 3D printing factory specifically chose BCN3D 3D printers, which feature unique IDEX (Independent Dual Extruders) technology. With IDEX, the two printhead systems are completely separate and can move independently. When performing 3D printing with IDEX technology, you can choose between "Duplication" and "Mirror" modes. Both extruders operate simultaneously, doubling efficiency and productivity in the same amount of time!
Before using 3D printing technology, NISSAN outsourced all prototypes and specific fixtures to traditional machining manufacturers for production. The back-and-forth communication and adjustments required significant time and money. Additionally, limited lead times hindered the team's production process; in the past, it took "one week" from design to production. The team discovered that after adopting 3D printing technology, delivery times could be reduced to "one day." In terms of cost, traditional methods like CNC drilling were about 20 times more expensive than 3D printing!
After the team realized the production value of BCN3D 3D printers, they acquired a BCN3D Sigmax 3D printer and developed it into an internal production factory. With the BCN3D Independent Dual Extruder System (IDEX), the team successfully doubled production efficiency and maintained consistent results during long production processes.
．Windshield Centering Gauge
NISSAN uses BCN3D 3D printers to produce "car windshield centering gauges." This tool ensures the correct distance between the car's A-pillar and the windshield. When the gauge is fixed onto a car part, it secures one side, and when flipped, it secures the other, ensuring accuracy and speeding up each fixing process. The car windshield centering gauge measures 100 x 120 x 80mm and is made from robust TPU material, costing NT$260 and taking a total of 14 hours to produce.
．Car Drill Position Indicator
This tool is composed of 5 interconnected parts, measuring 1000 x 400 x 15mm, making it the largest 3D printed tool produced by NISSAN. Each section of this positioning tool takes an average of 15 hours to print, using ABS material, at a cost of NT$700. Its primary function is to serve as a drill position indicator, maintaining consistency in every vehicle assembly process and enabling operators to easily and conveniently align positions.
．Car Nameplate Alignment Tool
As shown in the image below, this tool has both positioning and fixing functions. Operators can correctly align the car model nameplate every time, and two gauges are installed between the rear panel and the trunk door to ensure the nameplate is always positioned in the same spot. It is used by attaching it to the car's metal sheet, measuring 300 × 80 x 3mm. Since the UV LED strip at the bottom of the car is cured with a special adhesive, the letters can be successfully welded to the car body. This part is manufactured from ABS material, taking a total of 12 hours and costing NT$115.
In addition to using plastic 3D printing filaments, NISSAN is also continuously developing metal materials. What sets them apart from other car manufacturers is their drive and expertise in assembling different car models, leveraging innovative technology as a brand advantage! Did you enjoy this sharing? We offer more than just 3D printing; contact us now to learn more about the BCN3D series of 3D printers.
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