May 7, 2018—GM partnered with Autodesk, a Bay Area-based software company, to produce 3-D-printed parts.
Autodesk uses cloud computing and AI-based algorithms to rapidly explore permutations of a part design.
GM and Autodesk engineers have applied this new technology to produce a proof-of-concept part that is 40 percent lighter and 20 percent stronger than the original part. It also consolidates eight different components into one 3D-printed part.
Since 2016, GM has launched 14 new vehicle models with a total mass reduction of more than 5,000 pounds, or more than 350 pounds per vehicle.Most of the weight reduction are a result of material and technology advancements. Of those models, more than half of the vehicles shed 300-pounds or more including the all-new 2019 Chevrolet Silverado, which reduced mass by up to 450-pounds.
