Automakers Expand 3D Printing in Manufacturing

Rivian and Ford are increasing use of additive manufacturing to cut costs and speed up parts production.

Updated on Nov. 8, 2026 in Auto Parts

Several gray industrial 3D printers sit in a concrete manufacturing bay beneath a skylight, with finished metal lattice parts on a shelf. — Rivian and Ford are expanding 3D printing across their plants, using on-demand printing bays and vending machines to cut parts costs and speed production. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Automakers are increasingly adopting 3D printing across their manufacturing operations, with Rivian and Ford expanding capabilities to reduce costs and accelerate production.

Why it matters

Automakers cite significant cost reductions and faster production as reasons for adopting 3D printing. The technology is becoming more standardized and accessible as material properties improve.

Rivian has invested over $5 million in 3D-printing machines and spends roughly $1.7 million per year on materials. Ford operates more than 200 3D-printing machines, and General Motors uses 135 3D-printed components in Cadillac Celestiq vehicles.

The players

Rivian

Rivian is an electric vehicle manufacturer that has invested heavily in additive manufacturing to speed production and reduce costs.

Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company is a major American automaker that operates 3D-printing departments at numerous plants and uses the technology across its operations.

General Motors

General Motors is a major American automaker whose Cadillac Celestiq vehicles incorporate 135 3D-printed components.

The details

Rivian has installed printing bays at its Illinois facility so employees can produce parts on demand, and Ford has placed a vending machine at its Dearborn headquarters that dispenses 3D-printed parts. Ford has used the technology to produce torque sockets and hood jackers.

Ford plans to have 3D-printing labs deployed at more than 23 facilities by the end of this year.

Roadmap

Automakers are moving additive manufacturing from prototyping into routine production, a shift driven by lower material and machine costs and faster turnaround. Rivian, Ford, and General Motors are each applying the technology to vehicle components and assembly tools.

Faster, on-demand parts production could shorten repair and replacement timelines for components built with additive methods. Consumers may see changes in part availability as automakers scale these processes.

The takeaway

Additive manufacturing is becoming a practical tool for automakers seeking lower costs and faster production. Watching how quickly these methods spread across plants will show whether 3D printing becomes a standard part of vehicle manufacturing.