Case Study: Hirschvogel Tech Solution achieves 40% weight savings with SLM Solutions 3D printing

Success in additive manufacturing based on continuous process chains

Hirschvogel Tech Solution, part of the Hirschvogel Automotive Group, needed an additive manufacturing approach for a car steering knuckle that could meet demanding automotive requirements while reducing weight and fitting within the available installation space. Working with SLM Solutions, the team focused on an integrated part-development process for production on the SLM®500 QUAD using AlSi10Mg.

SLM Solutions supported a bionics-inspired redesign and topology optimization that enabled the steering knuckle to be built with few support structures and no internal supports, reducing post-processing effort. The result was a 40% weight saving in the neck area compared with the conventional forged part, while tensile and notched-bar test specimens matched forecast performance values.

Hirschvogel Tech Solution