Is the real uptake in 3D printers destined to revolutionise the motorcycle parts industry (and many other industries too)? Some companies in the motorcycle industry have been employing 3D printing technology for a while now - here is an article we wrote back in 2021 about Honda's use of it.

Now some of the big boys of international industry are getting ahead of the curve and powering forward with their own 3D machines to manufacture parts. 
Bosch is a case in point. Bosch is already known for its engine management systems, fuel injection, ABS and other tools, offering parts for motorcycles from the smallest to the largest displacements – from commuters to MotoGP machines. Now this renowned company has invested a lot  - roughly £5 million in fact – in laser 3D metal printing machines capable of printing strong, high quality motorcycle parts. That is putting your money where your mouth is, they clearly think that is the way the wind is blowing.

The advantages of in house 3D printing are manifold, including increased flexibility in production and batch size if orders change. This leads to an improvement in economy and sustainability, by producing everything in a single place and putting control in the hands of the parts designer and distributor, enabling them to make their own parts when required.

Potentially, this could completely change the way things are done and improve the manufacturing process and global trade itself, perhaps making the raw materials the golden goose, rather than the parts themselves? 

Whichever way it comes out it looks as though the future may be printed! 

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