Customer Profile
Best known for manufacturing tires, German automotive technologies leader Continental AG is experiencing cost-effective production and fast turnaround of customized parts after installing a Stratasys Fortus 450mc 3D printer at their ADaM Competence Center.
Producing prototypes, jigs & fixtures, end-use parts, and ESD-compliant parts, Continental has been a keen adopter of additive manufacturing under their CES division.
Challenge
Continental faced recurring challenges in producing gluing jigs and replacement tools efficiently. Traditional manufacturing methods were time-consuming and lacked flexibility, often resulting in prolonged downtime and production delays. Outsourcing or fabricating new tools externally also limited customization options and added costs. In a competitive and economically pressured environment, these inefficiencies made it increasingly difficult for Continental to maintain productivity, responsiveness, and operational agility across product development.
Solutions
“The Fortus 450mc is a great addition to our portfolio, as it enables us to access highly specialized materials that allow us to meet demanding production requirements. It’s the only 3D printer we have that creates ESD-compliant production parts in very little time.” - Stefan Kammann, Head of Samples & Mechanical Solutions, CES
CES manufactures many electronic parts, where static-dissipative properties are crucial. ABS-ESD7 has become vital for printing safe, ESD-compliant jigs like the gluing jig for automotive displays.
“We can now 3D print the gluing jig with ABS-ESD7 material, giving us a fast, safe, customizable in-house solution,” added Kammann.
Impact
The Fortus 450mc also accelerates production: tools and parts are ready within hours, reducing downtime and increasing flexibility for part replacement.
In today’s challenging economy, Continental relies on additive manufacturing to deliver efficiencies across product development.
Discover the key benefits and features of Stratasys Fortus 450MC Printer or choose our AM Consultancy Service to manage your entire product development process.
