3D Printing in Automotive Repair Taskforce launched at IBIS USA

IBIS Worldwide, in collaboration with its supporting partners, announced at IBIS USA 2023 in Nashville the formation of a taskforce dedicated to exploring the use of 3D printing in automotive repair and the collision industry.

With IBIS as the platform for driving the project, Harold Sears has been named as the task force lead. Mr Sears brings more than 30 years of 3D printing and additive manufacturing experience as a consultant and for two decades drove Ford’s revolutionary 3D Printing Division.

The taskforce will work with industry associations and regulators to ensure that any new technology and practices meet OEM safety and regulatory requirements. Training will form another key element as the taskforce explores partnerships with automotive based training bodies who will focus on delivering training for the current workforce in preparation for the 3D printing evolution.

Mario Dimovski, from Boyd Group will represent the “collision and auto repair” industry based on his rich history of innovation and collaborative work in 3D printing over the past decade. He will join other taskforce experts from supporting fields related to 3D printing, OEMs, additive material, recycling, and engineering.

The goal of the taskforce is to identify opportunities for using 3D printing to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of automotive repair. This could include using 3D printing to create replacement parts, tools, and other components, as well as using the technology to improve the design and manufacture of existing parts.

“As automotive professionals, we are always looking for new and innovative ways to improve our services and better serve our industry,” Sears said. “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.”

The taskforce will conduct extensive research into the use of 3D printing in automotive and collision repair, looking at factors such as cost-effectiveness, speed of production, quality control, and safety considerations.

Jason Moseley, CEO of IBIS and a member of the taskforce, said: “IBIS is very excited to be able 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 taking part in the taskforce and collaborating with the other subject matter experts on this exciting venture.”

The taskforce will also explore the potential for 3D printing to create custom parts and components that are not currently available through traditional manufacturing methods.

“The automotive industry is constantly evolving, and we need to keep up with the latest technology to remain competitive,” Sears continued. “By exploring the use of 3D printing in repair work, we can find new and innovative ways to improve services and offer more efficient and cost-effective solutions to parts supply and collision repair businesses.”

The formation of the taskforce marks an exciting new chapter in the evolution of the automotive repair industry.

With 3D printing technology rapidly advancing, the taskforce is confident that it can identify new and innovative ways to use this technology to improve repair services and better serve customers.

For more information about the taskforce, please visit www.3dinautorepair.com.

Contact Harold Sears: [email protected]

Notes for editors

Since the first IBIS conference in 2001, the International Bodyshop Industry Symposium (IBIS) has become firmly established as the leading global conference and networking provider for automotive collision repair industry leaders and influencers.

The inaugural conference was held at the Celtic Manor Resort in Wales and hosted 120 delegates from 12 countries. Since then, IBIS events have been held at venues on five continents, reaching more than a thousand influencers each year, with the Global Summit annually attracting more than 350 delegates from around 30 countries.

IBIS continues to spread its world-class conferencing in new territories and has recently visited markets across the globe including Ireland, USA, India, South Africa, China, Brazil, Mexico, the Middle East and Turkey.

For general press enquiries please contact:

Simon Wait, Head of Editorial, IBIS Worldwide and bodyshop magazine
t: 01296 642836   m: 07936 902142   e: [email protected]

For future partnership enquiries please contact:

Suzie Scott, Head of Sales, IBIS Worldwide and bodyshop magazine
m: 07545 068455   e: [email protected]

SHARE