Germany – Multi-national engineering and technology company, Robert Bosch GmbH, based in Stuttgart, Germany, unveiled a EUR 6 million Nikon SLM Solutions NXG XII 600 metal 3D printer at its Nuremberg plant, renowned for its 12-laser system capable of producing complex metal components up to five times faster than previous technologies. This leap in manufacturing speed and precision enables Bosch to produce intricate parts such as electric motor housings, e-axle components, and hydrogen system elements with unprecedented efficiency.​ According to Bosch, this facility positions Bosch as the first Tier-1 automotive supplier in Europe to operate a 3D printing centre of this calibre.​

According to Bosch, “the implications for its commercial vehicle sector are profound, by eliminating the need for traditional tooling and molds, the company can significantly reduce development cycles, bringing components like engine blocks from design to production in mere days instead of years. This agility not only accelerates time-to-market but also enhances Bosch's ability to respond to fluctuating batch sizes and customised demands, crucial in the dynamic commercial vehicle market.​” Moreover, the facility's capacity to produce approximately “10,000 kilograms of metal parts annually at speeds reaching 1,000 cm³ per hour” underscores Bosch's commitment to sustainable and flexible manufacturing increasing the company’s competitiveness.