Porsche invests in 3D printing company to enter additive manufacturing

Porsche has invested in INTAMSYS, a company specialized in both additive manufacturing of prototypes and mass production. Thanks to the digital transformation that the automotive and mobility industry is also undergoing, additive manufacturing is experiencing constant progress and, to take advantage of it, Porsche is choosing to invest in this niche.

The sports car manufacturer has begun to explore the possibilities of 3D printing technology to develop and produce parts and components in limited series.

Launched in 2016, based in China, INTAMSYS products are used in the aerospace, automotive, medical and scientific research industries.

Porsche invests in 3D printing company to enter additive manufacturing

Jens Puttfarcken, president and CEO of Porsche China, said Porsche intends to advance the development of additive manufacturing technologies and take advantage of 3D printing in both product and process to achieve more flexible manufacturing and customization services.

“Digital transformation has permeated every aspect of production and daily life and is seen as one of the key challenges in Porsche’s operational strategy,” he added.

As Porsche seeks to expand the application of additive manufacturing to establish itself as a provider of digital mobility solutions in the luxury car segment, INTAMSYS representatives said this partnership will bring further recognition to the company’s products

«In the future, we at INTAMSYS will continue our close cooperation with Porsche to develop more and more innovative products, expand the range of applications of additive manufacturing and facilitate the digital manufacturing transformation of the automotive industry, so that a large number of customers can benefit from testing high-tech solutions.», said Charles Han, CEO of INTAMSYS.

Previously, Porsche announced that it had created a new seat for some of its models that mimics the shape of the body, completely 3D printed. These seats, suitable for various Boxster, Cayman and 911 models, are part of Porsche’s range of ultra-performance components.

The investment by Porsche in INTAMSYS is a strategic move that underscores the crucial role of additive manufacturing (3D printing) in the ongoing digital transformation of the automotive industry.

Here is a breakdown of the key elements and the significance of this collaboration:

🎯 Key Reasons for the Investment

• Digital Strategy Acceleration: Porsche sees additive manufacturing as an integral component of its overall digital manufacturing strategy. The investment aims to speed up the deployment and application of 3D printing technology across the company’s operations.

• Small-Series Production and Customization: A primary goal is to leverage 3D printing to develop and manufacture parts and components in limited series. This is vital for high-end sports cars, allowing for flexible production, bespoke customization services for customers, and the creation of highly specialized performance parts.

• High-Performance Materials Specialization: INTAMSYS is a world-leading 3D printer manufacturer specializing in high-performance materials, such as PEEK (Polyether ether ketone) and other engineering-grade thermoplastics. These materials offer superior strength, temperature resistance, and chemical resistance, making them ideal for demanding automotive applications like engine components and functional parts.

• Prototyping to Mass Production: INTAMSYS offers solutions that span the entire production spectrum, from rapid prototyping to final volume production. This end-to-end capability is attractive to Porsche for integrating the technology seamlessly into its manufacturing process.

⚙️ INTAMSYS: The Technology Partner

INTAMSYS, launched in 2016 and headquartered in China, develops industrial-grade Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) 3D printers, known for their advanced thermal systems (high-temperature extruders and heated chambers) which are necessary to process high-performance polymers.

Its products are already applied across demanding sectors, including:

• Aerospace

• Automotive

• Medical

• Scientific Research

The partnership allows Porsche to gain direct access to this cutting-edge technology and material science expertise, helping them to digitalize and improve their product manufacturing process as they aim to be a digital mobility solution provider in the luxury car segment.