DTNA Launches 3-D Printed Parts Pilot Test
Daimler Trucks North America announced it will make its first pilot program delivery of plastic parts produced using 3-D printing technologies to its customers in the coming weeks.
DTNA sees 3-D printing as an opportunity to better serve its customers, particularly those in need of parts that have been difficult to provide through traditional supply chain models. Those include parts for older trucks or parts with very low or intermittent demand, according to the Portland, Ore.-based company.
To print the parts, DTNA partnered with the 3-D printing service Technology House, which has over 20 years of experience in additive manufacturing.
DTNA will release a controlled quantity of 3-D printed parts and invite feedback from customers and technicians that receive them. DTNA will also collect data on parts performance as well as assess potential future demand for 3-D printed parts.
During the pilot phase, parts to be printed include nameplates, map pockets and plastic covers. The production process, called Selective Laser Sintering, refers to layering powder in a print chamber and then selectively melting a pattern with lasers before adding the next layer.
Parts that are eligible for 3-D printing are being stored in DTNA’s digital warehouse. This allows a part to be printed on demand with shorter lead times. Without the need to maintain tooling, these parts will be available to customers when needed. On-demand 3-D printing also removes the need for holding physical inventory.
Currently, the order process takes two to four weeks, but once the program is fully launched, parts will be able to be shipped in just a few days, according to the company.
“Over the past five years, DTNA has made significant financial and intellectual investments in the supply chain network in order to deliver parts to our customers faster than ever before. The addition of [3-D printing] coupled with dedicated delivery service puts us on the path toward achieving this objective,” Jay Johnson, general manager, aftermarket supply chain, said in a statement.
DTNA’s Class 8 brands include Freightliner and Western Star.
