Daimler Buses enables customers to 3D print spare parts

Owners of Mercedes-Benz and Setra buses/touring coaches will soon be able to 3D print numerous spare parts quickly and cheaply on site, thanks to new license management provided by the Omniplus service brand from Daimler Buses. All the companies and their service partners will need is a certified 3D printer, a one-off registration process and a license for the required part in the desired quantity to create their own “mini parts factory.”

From June 2022, more than 100 parts of the currently over 1500 3D-printable components will be available as the first licenses from the digital warehouse. Additional spare parts will follow as digital licenses.

A 3D printing visualization of the digital twin of a handle insert. Photo: Daimler Buses

The Omniplus service brand has designated around 40,000 bus/touring coach spare parts from the Mercedes-Benz and Setra brands as suitable for 3D printing. Initially, Omniplus is concentrating on more than 7,000 parts that are to be gradually digitized, creating a “digital warehouse” that will be continuously expanded. The database will include both regularly required spare parts as well as rarely required parts for special customer requests.

The virtual warehouse forms the basis for 3D printing license management, which will help to optimize rapid availability of spare parts. Bus/touring coach companies simply need to complete a one-off registration process at the 3D Printing License eShop with their 3D printers. At the shop, customers are only shown the parts that are available for or compatible with their own printer. The launch was implemented with industrial 3D printer manufacturer Farsoon Technologies, with additional 3D printer providers to be added over time.

Customers can purchase an encrypted 3D printing license for the component they require in the desired quantity and print it out on location. Once successfully printed, the respective license expires without the data being saved. Alternatively, customers can inform their nearest Omniplus service partner of their requirements, which can then acquire the corresponding license and do the printing.

Wibu Systems encryption technology is used to ensure that all data is protected throughout the process and that the ordered quantity is adhered to.

Because of the data and the individual building instructions, the digital twin at the digital warehouse and provision of encrypted 3D printing licenses allow spare parts to be made available worldwide in the quickest possible way and where right where they are needed, resulting in faster parts availability, shorter supply chains and cost savings to customers.