Material Science, Additive Manufacturing in Automotive Industry

With the rapid advances in material composition, such as the emerging use cases of polymers and metals, additive manufacturing is evolving from a prototyping tool to a functional part of manufacturing. New materials, shorter lead times, and innovative finishes, while adhering to standards (FDA, ASTM, and ISO), allow the technology to be integrated into manufacturing processes.

In the panel, The Rise of Material Science and Additive Manufacturing in the Automotive Industry, industry leaders shed light on the transformative impact of additive manufacturing and material science on the automotive sector. Participants included Óscar Martinez, Leader of the Additive Manufacturing Core Lab, Tec de Monterrey; Martin Toscano, President and CEO, Evonik Industries; and Miguel Ángel Delgado, Business Director High Performance Polymers, Evonik, and Ricardo Saenz, General Director, Intelligy. The dialogue explored the significance of these advancements, their historical context, and the collaborative efforts required to navigate the evolving landscape.

"The auto parts industry has great potential in the implementation of new technologies," said Toscano. The recognition of this potential serves as a driving force for the exploration of innovative solutions within the sector.

“Contrary to the perception of additive manufacturing as a recent phenomenon, it has a rich history spanning more than three decades,” says Delgado. A central theme during the discussion was the radical shift brought about by additive manufacturing in the automotive industry. This highlights the profound impact that additive manufacturing processes have on traditional manufacturing approaches.

Addressing the scarcity of talent within the sector, the panel stressed the importance of collaborative efforts between academia and industry. "Universities work together with the industry to meet talent demands," said Martínez, emphasizing the need for a collaborative approach to nurture the skills required for this evolving industry.

Recognizing the synergy between the automotive and chemical industries, the participants underscored the necessity for these sectors to work hand in hand. This collaborative approach is deemed essential for overcoming challenges and fostering innovation within the automotive manufacturing landscape.

As the automotive industry witnesses a surge in electric vehicles (EVs), there is a growing need to develop materials that enhance functionality. The experts highlighted the importance of adapting to this new trend, emphasizing the imperative to develop new materials that make vehicles more functional. "Innovation is changing the traditional way of doing things," said Saenz. This sentiment underscores the essence of innovation in challenging conventional approaches and fostering a culture that embraces change.