As a "pioneer for the whole Volkswagen group,” car manufacturer Audi (Ingolstadt / Germany; www.audi.com) is increasing the use of 3D printing technology with plastics in its production process. A separate department will in future assume the task of producing new or optimised auxiliary tools made of plastic, which will be used for the manufacture of the "R8" model at the company’s site in Neckarsulm / Germany. Audi says the team of experts tested the service for series production at the plant in December 2018.

"Several hundred applications" showed considerable cost-cutting potential through printed auxiliary tools. The assembly line employees are directly involved in the production of the 3D-printed auxiliary tools. The process was "a further milestone in the company’s digital transformation," and an important step in the "transformation of production to the modern smart factory."