Utilising pioneering future technology, Mercedes-Benz Trucks is using the latest 3D printing processes to produce plastic parts as a standard production method in the Customer Services and Parts sector.

As of 30 September genuine parts can be ordered and supplied at the press of a button from the 3D printer, quickly, economically, in any quantity and always in consistent genuine manufacturer’s quality.

With the use of 3D printing technology in after sales, Mercedes-Benz is taking on the pioneering role and technological leadership among the global truck producers.

Andreas Deuschle, head of marketing and operations in the Customer Services & Parts Mercedes-Benz Trucks Division, said: “In keeping with our brand promise ‘Trucks you can trust’, we set the same benchmarks for reliability, functionality, durability and economy for spare parts from 3D production as for parts from conventional production.

Today at Daimler more than 100,000 printed prototype parts are manufactured for the individual company divisions every year.

The available spare parts consist of plastic components such as covers, spacers, spring caps, air and cable ducts, clamps, mountings and control elements.

The ‘printed’ spare parts are created with state-of-the-art 3D printers based on the Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) printing process. Every 3D spare part can be ordered by the customer using the special spare part number under which it is recorded in the order code lists and the spare parts catalogues at Mercedes-Benz Trucks.