BMW mass production of WAAM components starting in 2027
BMW to mass produce wire arc additive manufacturing parts from 2027
BMW mass production of WAAM components starting in 2027
BMW Group plans mass production of wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) components by 2027, expanding 3D printing in automotive manufacturing for EVs and more.
2026-03-06T09:18:31+03:00
2026-03-06T09:18:31+03:00
2026-03-06T09:18:31+03:00
The BMW Group has announced plans to begin mass production of components made using wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) starting in 2027. The company continues to scale up additive technologies, integrating them into global manufacturing processes.Since opening its additive manufacturing campus in Oberschleissheim in 2020, the facility has produced over 1.6 million parts. Additionally, around 100,000 components are manufactured annually at BMW plants worldwide.Under the leadership of new division head Timo Göbel, the operation is expanding its equipment portfolio. This includes introducing new generations of metal 3D printers, increasing printing volumes, and creating automated digital production chains. The company is also implementing open material systems and interfaces for integration with existing infrastructure.3D-printed components are already being used in production models from BMW, Mini, Rolls-Royce, and BMW Motorrad. The technology played a role in developing the Neue Klasse platform and new electric powertrains. Testing of WAAM components in vehicles has been underway since 2025.BMW first implemented additive manufacturing in series production back in 2012 with polymer elements for the Rolls-Royce Phantom, then moved to metal parts for the BMW i8 Roadster in 2017. The IDAM project, completed in 2022, delivered fully automated metal 3D printing lines.
BMW, wire arc additive manufacturing, WAAM, 3D printing, mass production, automotive manufacturing, electric vehicles, Neue Klasse, additive technologies
2026
Michael Powers
news
BMW to mass produce wire arc additive manufacturing parts from 2027
BMW Group plans mass production of wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) components by 2027, expanding 3D printing in automotive manufacturing for EVs and more.
Michael Powers, Editor
The BMW Group has announced plans to begin mass production of components made using wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) starting in 2027. The company continues to scale up additive technologies, integrating them into global manufacturing processes.
Since opening its additive manufacturing campus in Oberschleissheim in 2020, the facility has produced over 1.6 million parts. Additionally, around 100,000 components are manufactured annually at BMW plants worldwide.
Under the leadership of new division head Timo Göbel, the operation is expanding its equipment portfolio. This includes introducing new generations of metal 3D printers, increasing printing volumes, and creating automated digital production chains. The company is also implementing open material systems and interfaces for integration with existing infrastructure.
3D-printed components are already being used in production models from BMW, Mini, Rolls-Royce, and BMW Motorrad. The technology played a role in developing the Neue Klasse platform and new electric powertrains. Testing of WAAM components in vehicles has been underway since 2025.
BMW first implemented additive manufacturing in series production back in 2012 with polymer elements for the Rolls-Royce Phantom, then moved to metal parts for the BMW i8 Roadster in 2017. The IDAM project, completed in 2022, delivered fully automated metal 3D printing lines.
