# 181. Why Audi Uses 3D Printers For The R8

- Show: [The Next Byte Podcast](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast)
- Published: 2024-07-02
- Length: 25m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2024-07-02-181-why-audi-uses-3d-printers-for-the-r8
- Listen: https://the-next-byte-wevolver.simplecast.com/episodes/181-why-audi-uses-3d-printers-for-the-r8-dWb4lqXZ

## Summary

Hosts Daniel and Forbode discuss how Audi uses 3D printing to streamline manufacturing for the R8 and E-tron GT, specifically focusing on the rapid production of jigs and fixtures. They highlight the use of Trinkle's Fixture Mate software, which allows non-designers to generate fixture designs, and Ultimaker S5 printers to produce these tools in-house. The hosts explain that this approach solved the bottleneck of waiting weeks for traditional machining, enabling Audi to produce over 800 custom tools quickly and accurately. This shift empowered factory workers to request custom solutions, improving assembly quality and safety while reducing supply chain risks.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2024-07-02-181-why-audi-uses-3d-printers-for-the-r8#t=0) Introduction: Audi R8 and Additive Manufacturing
- [1:06](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2024-07-02-181-why-audi-uses-3d-printers-for-the-r8#t=66) Sponsor Read: Mouser Electronics
- [3:47](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2024-07-02-181-why-audi-uses-3d-printers-for-the-r8#t=227) Audi's Challenge: 200 New Jigs for E-tron GT
- [8:06](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2024-07-02-181-why-audi-uses-3d-printers-for-the-r8#t=486) Traditional vs. 3D Printed Fixture Production
- [11:13](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2024-07-02-181-why-audi-uses-3d-printers-for-the-r8#t=673) Fixture Mate Software and Design Automation
- [14:17](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2024-07-02-181-why-audi-uses-3d-printers-for-the-r8#t=857) Ultimaker S5 Materials and 7-Micron Accuracy
- [17:20](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2024-07-02-181-why-audi-uses-3d-printers-for-the-r8#t=1040) Heads-Up Display Alignment and Worker Empowerment
- [20:45](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2024-07-02-181-why-audi-uses-3d-printers-for-the-r8#t=1245) Vertical Integration and Supply Chain Benefits
- [23:52](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2024-07-02-181-why-audi-uses-3d-printers-for-the-r8#t=1432) Conclusion and Audience Thanks

## Topics

- [Mechanical engineering](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/mechanical-engineering)
- [Design for manufacturing & NPI](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/design-for-manufacturing)
- [Manufacturing partners & offshoring](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/manufacturing-partners)
- [EDA & CAD tools](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/eda-and-cad-tools)
- [Scaling production](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/scaling-production)

## Most relevant to

large enterprises

## Mentioned

- Audi (company)
- Mouser Electronics (company)
- Machino Labs (company)
- Divergent (company)
- Bugatti Tourbillon (product)
- Audi R8 (product)
- Audi E-tron GT (product)
- Tesla Model Y (product)
- Trinkle (company)
- Fixture Mate (tool)
- Ultimaker S5 (tool)
- PLA (material)
- TPU 95A (material)
- PETG (material)
- ABS (material)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Unlocking Higher Performance 3D Printing Applications with Brad Rothenberg](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/additive-snack/2021-01-15-unlocking-higher-performance-3d-printing-applications-with-brad-rothenberg) (Additive Snack)
- [Shop Talk Live 17: How Your Hand Tools Are Made](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2012-10-11-shop-talk-live-17-how-your-hand-tools-are-made) (Shop Talk Live)
- [508: The Trampoline is at Zero](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2025-12-12-508-the-trampoline-is-at-zero) (Making It)
- [163: 2023 Trends in Product Development for Hardware Products](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/product-startup/2023-02-16-163-2023-trends-in-product-development-for-hardware-products) (Product Startup)
- [How Protolabs turns CAD files into parts in under 24 hours](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2026-08-14-how-protolabs-turns-cad-files-into-parts-in-under-24-hours) (The Robot Report Podcast)

## Citing this page

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