---
title: "3D Systems and Daimler Buses decentralize spare part production"
url: https://www.voxelmatters.com/3d-systems-and-daimler-buses-decentralize-spare-part-production/
date: 2025-01-24
modified: 2025-01-24
lang: en
author: "Edward Wakefield"
description: "3D Systems, an AM solutions provider, and Daimler Buses, one of the world’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturers, have entered a collaboration to facilitate the remote 3D printing of spare parts...."
categories:
  - "Acquisitions, Mergers & Partnerships"
  - "Automotive AM"
  - "On-demand Manufacturing"
tags:
  - "future"
image: https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/csm_Dai_Range3_230516-LoRes_2bbba297dc-640x360.jpg
word_count: 454
---

# 3D Systems and Daimler Buses decentralize spare part production

[3D Systems, an AM solutions provider](https://www.voxelmatters.directory/company/3d-systems/), and [Daimler Buses, one of the world’s largest](https://www.voxelmatters.com/daimler-buses-introduces-mobile-3d-printing-center-for-spare-parts/) commercial vehicle manufacturers, have entered a collaboration to facilitate the remote 3D printing of spare parts. The solution combines Daimler Buses’ production and maintenance expertise for automotive serial AM parts for trucks, buses, and motorcoaches with [3D Systems’ expertise in 3D printing technology](https://www.voxelmatters.com/agile-manufacturing-acquires-ninth-sla-machine-from-3d-systems/), materials, and applications, [Oqton’s software](https://www.voxelmatters.com/baker-hughes-implements-oqton-manufacturing-os/), and the work of Wibu-Systems in digital rights and IP management.

Over the years, Daimler Buses has built significant experience producing spare parts on demand via additive manufacturing, [starting in 2017, when the company began exploiting the benefits of 3D printing ](https://www.voxelmatters.com/daimler-buses-turns-serial-production-custom-interior-parts/)to meet customers’ special requirements and produce small batches and replacement parts for the Mercedes-Benz and Setra brands. In 2021, [Daimler Buses even built a “mini-factory” in the form of a container that included all of the stations relevant to producing spare parts ](https://www.voxelmatters.com/daimler-buses-introduces-mobile-3d-printing-center-for-spare-parts/)using a 3D printer on only 36 square meters. The twelve-by-three-meter container can be transported by truck to any location. Once there, only electricity and an internet connection are required for its operation.

This latest collaboration enables Daimler Buses to deliver enhanced service capabilities to its certified AM partners while protecting its intellectual property (IP) and competitive position. By utilizing this solution, Daimler Buses’ certified 3D printing partners will be able to manufacture spare parts locally for various underhood and cabin interior applications, including pins, covers, and inserts. As a result, these service partners can increase flexibility and efficiency while reducing time to parts in hand by up to 75%. Commercial truck, bus, and touring coach companies will also realize substantial indirect cost savings by minimizing vehicle downtime due to maintenance.

![3D Systems and Daimler Buses decentralize spare part production - delivering enhanced service capabilities while protecting IP.](https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/sls-380-ambient-video-image-for-mobile.jpeg)

Before introducing this solution, service providers often bear the risk of significant downtime when vehicles require even a few but critical specific parts, such as three inserts and a fuse box cover. Limited by local supply chain infrastructure and inventory, not having these parts in stock could result in delays of several weeks - impacting operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.

Bus/motorcoach companies or service bureaus can join Daimler Buses’ network of 3D printing certified partners by purchasing a license for 3DXpert through Daimler Buses’ Omniplus 3D Printing License eShop. [3DXpert is an all-in-one](https://www.voxelmatters.com/3d-systems-introduces-new-3dxpert-solidworks/), integrated AM software that streamlines the complete workflow - from part design to printing. The prepare and print license enables the customer or service partner to decrypt the design files for the parts needed for a specific repair job and only produce the exact quantity needed. Currently, the solution is designed to 3D print parts on 3D Systems’ SLS 380. In the future, Daimler Buses anticipates service bureaus will be able to connect any 3D Systems’ polymer or metal 3D printer to the solution.