Case study - General Motors
Case study
General Motors: a hemming tool in three weeks instead of 10–13
Detroit, USA · Automotive · FDM (F900, ASA)
GM uses a large rear wheelhouse hemming tool on the Chevrolet Equinox to join the inner and outer fender panels.
The challenge
The challenge
The tool was machined from aluminum. It took more than ten weeks to make and weighed 75 lb (about 34 kg). It needed lift assistance, and its momentum could damage the sheet metal.
The solution
The solution
GM printed the tool on a Stratasys F900 in FDM ASA instead of machining it from billet.
The results
The results
- Produced in three weeks instead of 10–13 weeks: over 70% lead time saving
- Weight from 75 lb to 33 lb (about 15 kg): no lift assistance needed
- 74% lower total cost
- Better ergonomics and faster changes in preproduction
Application: Lift-assist & hemming tools
Application: Lift-assist & hemming tools
Light printed hemming tools remove the need for lift assistance and react faster to design changes.
Source: Stratasys Application Guide and Stratasys case material. Photo: Stratasys.
Want to explore this application?
Want to explore this application?
SEIDO Systems is Stratasys Platinum Partner across Benelux, France and the Nordics. Contact us for advice, a demo or a test print.