The SPE Automotive Award 2024 has chosen a 3D-printed component as the overall winner for the first time. The innovative center console carrier from BMW, produced using the Large Scale Printing process from Hans Weber Maschinenfabrik, came out on top against 42 other entrants.
The award-winning component is characterized by its integration capability. It replaces seven conventional components and includes additional functions such as integrated air ducts for air conditioning in the rear passenger compartment. The printing process enables the processing of fiber-reinforced injection-molded granulate.
The sustainability aspect of the center console support is particularly impressive. The material used, Akromid from Akro-Plastic, consists of 40% recycled carbon fiber and is based on renewable raw materials. This leads to a reduction in the CO2 footprint.
Thilo Stier, SPE Division Coordinator, emphasized the importance of the award: “Participation offers a unique opportunity to make contacts with leading European developers and manufacturers of plastic parts.”
In addition to the main prize, other awards were also presented. The Grand Innovation Award went to Kautex Textron for an integrated cell holder with two-phase immersion cooling for high-performance batteries. This technology can prevent the thermal runaway of batteries and thus increase the safety of electric vehicles.
In the area of sustainability, the Econeer seat cover from BMW and Magna Seating impressed the jury. It is made from PET mono-material with a recycled content of up to 100% and uses an innovative PET adhesive.
The award ceremony took place for the first time in the climate-neutral Kameha Grand Bonn hotel, which underlines the increasing importance of sustainability in the automotive industry. The SPE Automotive Award clearly shows how 3D printing and other innovative manufacturing technologies are changing the automotive industry and contributing to more sustainable solutions.
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