Toyota Motorsport GmbH (TMG) has recently revealed that they are partnering with 3D printing solutions company 3D Systems, naming them their “Additive Manufacturing Provider of Choice.” The partnership is expected to further advance Toyota’s innovation efforts in motorsports. According to the company’s project general manager of future production technology, Andreas Schambach, TMG is always seeking out companies that can help Toyota compete in the motorsports industry.
“TMG has chosen 3D Systems for this partnership because they share our pioneering spirt — exhibited by the fact that they introduced the world to 3D printing. We see the unparalleled potential of combining 3D Systems’ expertise and know-how with that of TMG to create technologies and define new additive manufacturing innovations in the automotive industry,” Schambach says.
The collaboration will be working primarily towards developing first-to-market manufacturing solutions for the automotive industry, including machines, materials, and software.
“In motorsport, we know that being first is what counts and we bring this same attitude to our entire business,” says Schambach.
TMG has already announced its plans to incorporate 3D Systems’ Figure 4 Standalone, ProX 800, sPro 60, sPro 230, and Geomagic Design X software into its manufacturing workflow.
“TMG’s facility will become a showcase for world-class advanced digital manufacturing,” says Schambach. “Our team of experts will complement that of 3D Systems’, to develop advanced laser sintering technologies, and a portfolio of materials with improved properties to meet the rigorous demands of motorsport. We intend to use these new technologies to more quickly and efficiently create light-weight, high quality production parts of our motorsport projects, leading to competitive advantage.”
Herbert Koeck, 3D Systems’ EVP, has also expressed his excitement in working together with TMG.
“Bringing together our collective expertise, curiosity, and desire to bring solutions to new applications challenges will yield first-to-market technologies that have the power to redefine an industry. I look forward to the innovation we’ll bring to fruition over the course of this partnership,” says Koeck.
TMG and 3D Systems will be making their first appearance together at the FIA World Endurance Championship at Silverstone in the UK. The 3D Systems’ logo will be displayed on two Toyota Gazoo racing cars — #7 driven by Mike Conway, Kamui Kobayashi and José María López, and #8 driven by Sébastien Buemi, Kazuki Nakajima and Brendon Hartley.
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