Photogrammetry and Additive Manufacturing Based Methodology for Decentralized Spare Part Production in Automotive Industry

Additive Manufacturing is becoming a suitable production process for many industries: it is based on the idea of adding material layer by layer, in opposite to traditional manufacturing processes. This technology shows advantages as design flexibility, internal logistics minimization and product customization that make it perfect to produce customized parts and all the applications where low production rates occur. The production of spare parts for classic or luxury cars is a field where Additive Manufacturing can be adopted because of low demand and relevant costs to manage stocks keeping several different parts in the after-sales inventory. The photogrammetry technique has been investigated to obtain the 3D model of the component to be replaced and send it to decentralized production centers equipped with 3D printers. This approach can enhance by far the supply chain management for automotive spare parts.