IBIS Worldwide, in collaboration with its supporting partners, has announced the formation of a taskforce dedicated to exploring the use of 3D printing in automotive repair and the collision industry.
IBIS will drive the project, with Harold Sears named as taskforce lead. IBIS said Sears brings more than 30 years of 3D printing and additive manufacturing experience as a consultant, and for two decades drove Ford’s “revolutionary” 3D Printing Division.
The taskforce will work with industry associations and regulators to ensure that new technologies and practices meet OEM safety and regulatory requirements.
Training will form another key element as the taskforce explores partnerships with automotive training bodies, which will focus on delivering training for the current workforce in preparation for the “3D printing evolution”.
IBIS says Boyd Group’s Mario Dimovski will represent the collision and automotive repair industry based on his history of innovation and collaborative work in 3D printing over the past decade. He will join other taskforce experts from supporting fields related to 3D printing, OEMs, additive material, recycling, and engineering.
The taskforce aims to identify opportunities for 3D printing to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of automotive repair. This could include using 3D printing to create replacement parts, tools, and other components, as well as using the technology to improve the design and manufacture of existing parts.
“As automotive professionals, we are always looking for new and innovative ways to improve our services and better serve our industry,” said Sears. “We believe that 3D printing technology has the potential to revolutionise the way we approach parts supply and repair work, and we are excited to explore the possibilities further.”
The taskforce will conduct extensive research into the use of 3D printing in automotive and collision repair, looking at factors such as cost-effectiveness, speed of production, quality control, and safety considerations. It will also explore the potential for 3D printing to create custom parts and components unavailable through traditional manufacturing methods.
“IBIS is very excited to be able to support such an innovative initiative and help educate and facilitate the introduction of 3D printing in the collision and auto repair industry,” said Jason Moseley, CEO of IBIS and a member of the taskforce. “I also look forward to taking part in the taskforce and collaborating with the other subject matter experts on this exciting venture.”
Sears added that the automotive industry is constantly evolving, and it needs to keep up with the latest technology to remain competitive. “By exploring the use of 3D printing in repair work, we can find new and innovative ways to improve services and offer more efficient and cost-effective solutions to parts supply and collision repair businesses,” he said.