Friedrichshafen/Hamburg, Germany - March 19, 2024 - ZF, a global technology leader, announces the adoption of the 3D Spark platform, an innovative B2B manufacturing and procurement software, to simplify and democratize the process of fabricating parts using 3D printing technology.

Investing in Additive Manufacturing: Reducing Cost, Lead Time, and CO₂ Emissions

ZF's investment in Additive Manufacturing (AM) underscores its commitment to staying at the forefront of innovation and manufacturing efficiency. AM offers unparalleled advantages, including reduced lead times for prototypes, tools, spare-and end-use parts, while driving cost & CO₂ reductions and enhancing supply chain resilience.

Manufacturing Decision Support and Easy Part Ordering Solution

The 3D Spark platform provides a cohesive and integrated approach to the entire part order workflow from request to quote. This enables users to gain instant insights into CAD design suitability, manufacturability, optimization possibilities, precise cost break-down, and CO₂ footprint for every in-house production option. This includes all industrially relevant AM technologies covering polymer, metal, and ceramics, as well as milling, turning, metal casting, and injection molding, enabling a Digital Factory Twin.

Efficiency Gains of 50% and Increased Accuracy & Trustworthiness

The implementation of the 3D Spark platform has yielded remarkable benefits for ZF, including a 50% reduction in time required for analyzing part manufacturability and writing quotes, whilst increasing accuracy and trustworthiness by 25%, enhancing ZF's ability to deliver superior quality parts to its customers reliably.

Empowering Every Employee

Dr. Ignacio Lobo-Casanova, Head of SMART Lightweight Process Technologies at ZF, remarked,"Requesting a part via 3D Spark is intuitive and efficient. What's more,this self-service is designed for everyone, not just experts in additive manufacturing technologies, making these cutting-edge tools accessible to all ZF employees."

His colleague Marcel Ahlbrand, Head of Advanced Development Chassis Components at ZF, added, "We need to give the power to the people to understand cost and manufacturability of their parts without consulting experts and wasting their time, and this is what 3D Spark is helping us to do."

‍Partnership between Corporate & Startup Enables Agile Innovation

The partnership between ZF and 3D Spark highlights the strategic alignment between corporate giants and agile startups in digital manufacturing. As ZF acknowledges the need for disruptive innovation to maintain industry leadership, collaborations with startups like 3D Spark offer innovative pathways to stay ahead of the curve.

For more information read the detailed case study:
https://www.3dspark.de/blog-posts/zf-democratizes-additive-manufacturing-with-3d-spark

‍About ZF:

ZF is a global technology company supplying systems for passenger cars, commercial vehicles,and industrial technology, enabling the next generation of mobility. ZF allows vehicles to see, think and act. In the four technology domains of Vehicle Motion Control, Integrated Safety, Automated Driving, and Electric Mobility, ZF offers comprehensive product and software solutions for established vehicle manufacturers and newly emerging transport and mobility service providers. ZF electrifies a wide range of vehicle types. With its products, the company contributes to reducing emissions, protecting the climate, and enhancing safe mobility.

‍About 3D Spark:

3D Spark is dedicated to maximizing efficiency and minimizing resource waste in industrial production. The company offers an innovative, web based, AI-driven B2B SaaS solution. Originally tailored for industrial 3D printing and now expanding to casting, injection molding, CNC and more, 3D Spark's platform optimizes manufacturing, purchasing, and sales processes. By analyzing 3D CAD and 2D data, the platform identifies the cheapest, fastest, and most sustainable manufacturing technology. It also automates the generation quotes and facilitates informed make-or-buy decisions. This way 3D Spark enhances production efficiency and sustainability for its clients.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Sarah Johnson
Director of Communications, ZF
sarah.johnson@zf.com
+49 123-456-7890

Nihal Gupta
Head of Marketing, 3D Spark
nihal.gupta@3dspark.de
+49 176-4320-7010