IBIS releases report on 3D Printing in Collision Repair Task Force

IBIS Worldwide, a global leader in automotive industry innovation, has announced the release of the much-anticipated report from the 3D Printing in Collision Repair Task Force. The report, now available for download on the IBIS Worldwide website, marks a ground-breaking milestone in the evolution of the automotive repair industry.

Initiated at IBIS USA 2023 in Nashville, the task force, under the leadership of Harold Sears from Imagine Additive Consulting, embarked on a mission to explore the transformative potential of 3D printing in automotive repair and the collision industry. Bringing more than 30 years of 3D printing and additive manufacturing experience, including a transformative role at Ford’s 3D Printing Division, Sears spearheaded a diverse team of experts.

Mario Dimovski, representing the collision and auto repair industry, joined the taskforce with a wealth of experience and a decade-long track record of innovation in 3D printing. The task force, comprising experts from various fields related to 3D printing, OEMs, additive materials, recycling, and engineering, collaborated to identify opportunities to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of automotive repair.

Key highlights from the report:

• Exploration of 3D printing applications for replacement parts, tools, and components.
• Initiatives focused on improving design and manufacturing processes through 3D printing technology.
• Research findings on cost-effectiveness, production speed, quality control, and safety considerations.
• Proposal for a regulatory framework to endorse and monitor the use of 3D-printed automotive parts.
• Commitment to training initiatives in partnership with automotive-based training bodies.

“As automotive professionals, we are always looking for new and innovative ways to improve our services and better serve our industry,” said Sears. “We believe that 3D printing technology has the potential to revolutionise the way we approach parts supply and repair work, and we are excited to explore the possibilities further.”

Jason Moseley, CEO of IBIS Worldwide and a task force member, added: “IBIS is very excited to support such an innovative initiative and help educate and facilitate the introduction of 3D printing in the collision and auto repair industry. I also look forward to collaborating with other subject matter experts on this exciting venture.”

The task force also delves into the potential for 3D printing to create custom parts and components, opening new horizons in the rapidly evolving automotive industry.

For a comprehensive overview of the task force’s findings and recommendations, download the report here. For more information about the task force, visit www.3dinautorepair.com.