GM 3D prints 130 components for the Cadillac CELESTIQ
With the highest concentration of 3D printed parts of any General Motors product, the CELESTIQ is one of the most custom-commissioned vehicles on the market
General Motors (GM) has used 3D printing to create functional component prototypes for decades, and has now started using the technology to produce parts in low-volume production vehicles – starting with the Cadillac CELESTIQ, a luxury, hand-built electric sedan. Thanks to its precision and flexibility, 3D printing is the perfect solution for creating more than 130 components for the custom-commissioned vehicle.
The CELESTIQ steering wheel center represents GM’s largest 3D printed production metal part to date. This trim bezel component covers the front face of the steering wheel, surrounding the switches and presenting a sleek finish. This component is also one of only a few production parts created using metal laser powder bed fusion technology.
“We wanted the part to be metal, fitting with the high-end look and feel of the vehicle,” says White. “We looked at multiple options to make this part, and additive won out because it can make a delicate, detailed, and compact part,” said Brennon White, a technical specialist for advanced manufacturing production applications at General Motors who has been working in 3D printing for 14 years.
CELESTIQ also utilizes a 3D printed seat belt adjustable guide loop – the company’s first metal 3D printed safety component. In 2024, this part was awarded the Award of Distinction in the Automotive – Electric Vehicle Category for Metal AM components by the Metal Powders Industry Federation.
“None of the finishes we could find met the high-end needs for this outstanding vehicle,” said White. “Using additive manufacturing allowed us to consolidate several parts into one continuous piece. Not only is it effortlessly beautiful, but the part is also incredibly strong.”
GM also uses 3D printed components in other production vehicles. Cadillac’s V-Series Blackwing models were the first GM production vehicles with 3D printed parts, including a unique medallion on the manual shifter knob. The technology is also used throughout GM motorsports vehicles, including by the Cadillac Racing team.
GM’s Additive Industrialization Center (AIC) on the Warren, Michigan, Tech Center campus opened in December 2020. This 15,000 sq-ft facility is home to more than 20 machines used to print both polymer and metal materials. Most of the 3D printed components in CELESTIQ are initially developed at AIC before engaging the supply base for production, including window switches, grab handles, console decor, and structural pieces under the surface. With the highest concentration of 3D printed parts of any GM product, the Cadillac CELESTIQ is one of the most custom-commissioned vehicles on the market.
“When looking at whether to use additive manufacturing, we ask ‘can it meet the functional requirements, and does it make sense economically?’ If the answer is yes to both, we know we should target AM,” said White. “That’s what we did with CELESTIQ – and additive gave us something that we never could have achieved otherwise.”
