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Ford Authority

Ford Rival GM Also Embracing 3D Printing Technology

Ford has been using 3D printing technology for a number of years now, and in a number of ways – whether that be recreating vintage pieces of architecture, prototype parts, or even production-ready pieces that can be used on consumer vehicles. However, the 3D-printing phenomenon has only gained steam as of late, and those devices are also widely available for consumers who want to create their own goods as well. Thus, it should come as no surprise to learn that Ford’s cross-town rival, GM, is also embracing 3D printing technology as well.

A photo showing the 3D printer used by General Motors.

According to GM Authority, General Motors is using 3D printing to make parts in an effort that it says improves safety, reduces costs, and can even be used to create fixtures and tools used in the manufacturing process. Last year alone, GM says that it completed 5,400 projects using 3D printing, and it only expects that number to grow in 2025. The automaker has reportedly been using this type of technology for three decades, but that usage has only begun to ramp up significantly over the past few years.

Much like Ford has been doing, GM uses 3D printers to create prototype parts during the pre-production process, as well as production-ready pieces, and even parts used on assembly lines. One such example is a special prop fixture that can hold up a vehicle’s hood during the assembly process, while GM notes that it can use this method to design and create components in a much quicker and more efficient manner than other avenues.

GM-3D-Printer-Additive-Manufacturing-Use-Cost-Saving-2025-002

Ford has been harnessing this type of technology for years now, and for a similarly broad range of applications. That includes remaking Beaux Arts-style elements in Michigan Central Station that were damaged, printing parts at the Valencia Assembly plant in Spain and the Cologne Assembly plant in Germany, plus the Sharonville Transmission plant in Ohio, where that process is thus far proving to be a big money saver.

Brett's lost track of all the Fords he's owned over the years and how much he's spent modifying them, but his current money pits include an S550 Mustang and 13th gen F-150.

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