# Automakers Scale 3D Printing to Accelerate Production and Cut Costs Ford and Rivian are integrating additive manufacturing to streamline assembly and reduce supply chain dependencies. - **Source:** [US Top News and Analysis](https://brifing.si/source/635540e9-943e-450d-ae52-ae0bfe3b67eb) - **Published:** 2026-10-31 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/e4c70bf0-6793-46a0-8201-0389394a5713 ## Automotive Industry Adopts Additive Manufacturing Major automakers like Ford, Rivian, and General Motors are increasingly integrating 3D printing into their manufacturing lines. While the technology has existed for decades, it is now becoming a commoditized tool for creating vehicle parts, assembly aids, and testing units, moving beyond simple prototyping into full-scale production support and logistics. ## Rivian Invests in Internal Scaling Rivian has committed over $5 million to 3D-printing equipment, with annual material costs reaching $1.7 million. Jared Beck, head of additive manufacturing, emphasizes that these machines typically pay for themselves within one year. The company is democratizing access by installing printing bays at its Normal, Illinois plant for on-demand engineering needs. ## Speed and Cost Efficiency Gains The primary driver for Rivian’s adoption is production speed, as 3D printing reduces lead times for parts from weeks to days or hours. By producing components internally, the company lowers supplier tooling costs and streamlines logistics. This shift allows engineers to iterate rapidly by holding physical parts in their hands immediately. ## Ford’s Decentralized Printing Strategy Ford utilizes a decentralized approach, deploying additive manufacturing departments across multiple plants. Near its Dearborn headquarters, the company implemented a vending machine system for 3D-printed parts, allowing team leaders to access tools like torque bit sockets and hood jackers. Ford plans to have 3D labs in over 23 plants by year-end. ## Maintaining Line Continuity Beyond creating new components, Ford uses 3D printing to keep assembly lines operational during supply shortages. When a machining wheel was required, the company printed a temporary replacement until a permanent supplier part arrived. While these temporary parts may not match original performance, they effectively prevent costly production line downtime. ## General Motors’ Specialized Applications General Motors leverages industrial-grade Stratasys printers for both research and low-volume production. The company incorporates 135 3D-printed components into its bespoke Cadillac Celestiq and utilizes the technology for unique trim pieces in Cadillac Blackwing sedans. This demonstrates a shift toward using additive manufacturing for high-end, customized vehicle features and performance parts. ## Technological Advancements in Materials Additive manufacturing now utilizes a diverse range of materials, including plastics, ceramics, composites, and metals. Fadi Abro from Stratasys notes that significant improvements in material properties have expanded the range of viable use cases. As the technology becomes more economically accessible, automakers are standardizing these processes to scale production across global facilities. ## Strategic Shift in Manufacturing The transition toward 3D printing represents a fundamental change in automotive supply chain management. By empowering engineers with on-demand printing capabilities and reducing reliance on external tooling, companies are gaining greater control over production timelines. This trend suggests that additive manufacturing will remain a critical pillar for future automotive efficiency and innovation. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.cnbc.com/2026/10/31/automakers-3d-printing-ford-rivian-gm.html — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._