Czech automaker ŠKODA receives award for its in-house 3D printer farm ”

Å KODA AUTO has revealed that it now uses 3D printing for the production of components, spare parts and tools. Czech automaker makes production and logistics more flexible and efficient by using 3D printing farm based on systems from local material extrusion 3D printer manufacturer Prussia, founded by industry legend Josef prusa. The Confederation of Industry of the Czech Republic (Svaz průmyslu a dopravy ÄŒeské republiky) has recognized the project “More flexibility with 3D printing farms”, considering it as one of the five most innovative Industry 4.0 applications of last year in the country.

“At ŠKODA AUTO, we use 3D printing to manufacture components and tools faster, more efficiently and more profitably, and make targeted use of Industry 4.0 technologies,” said Michael Oeljeklaus, member of the board. administration of ŠKODA AUTO for production and logistics. This is how we are implementing our FORCE program for the Future Factory and continuing to digitize our production sites. I am delighted that our project has been recognized as one of the five most innovative approaches in the field of Industry 4.0 in the Czech Republic.

Advantages of the 3D printing farm

Å KODA AUTO uses Prusa 3D printers, for example, for the production of prototypes in its pilot hall. Plastic 3D printing is used in particular in the maintenance services of automotive production. The automaker also uses technology from the central technical service, for the production of tools and spare parts and for testing new materials. In addition, the technology is used for the production of unique pieces and small series.

Currently, Å KODA AUTO’s Production and Logistics division has fifty 3D printers, allowing the automaker to apply the additive process. These are linked by a network dedicated to a working group in charge of plastic 3D printing. The largest 3D printing farm, a group of ten units, is located in the body shop of the automaker’s main plant in Mladá Boleslav. The technology makes it possible to flexibly produce the necessary tools or carry out short-term repairs. This means that the lead time for the necessary tools and spare parts is considerably shorter and there is no need to keep stock. The printed parts are added to a database, which allows them to be reproduced or adapted at any time.

Versatile and digital

In early April 2020, the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic showed how versatile 3D printing technology can be: in technical development, the automaker’s own academy and in production at the Mladá Boleslav and Kvasiny sites, Å KODA AUTO manufactured 1,400 protective screens for its own workforce as well as the staff of various aid organizations in just two months.

Digitization is an integral part of the company’s NEXT LEVEL – Å KODA STRATEGY 2030
Å KODA AUTO fully exploits the use of Industry 4.0 technologies and, in this context, the possibilities offered by 3D printing. One of the cornerstones of NEXT LEVEL – Å KODA STRATEGY 2030 is the continued digitization of internal procedures and processes throughout the company.