Case Study: Objective3D achieves just-in-time production of 320 truck HVAC ducts to keep Kenworth on schedule with Stratasys FDM solutions

3D Printing Distribution Network Prevents Major Trucking Company from Shutting Down Production Line

Objective3D, a member of Stratasys’ Global Manufacturing Network, was tasked with a time-critical production challenge after a late tooling change at Kenworth threatened to delay assembly of 320 trucks. The under‑dash duct, originally to be rotationally molded in PC‑ABS, faced a six‑week tooling delay, so Objective3D needed a rapid production alternative using Stratasys FDM technology (Fortus systems and the Global Manufacturing Network cloud platform).

Leveraging Stratasys’ Fortus FDM systems and the Global Manufacturing Network, Objective3D optimized build orientation and nested parts across multiple machines to produce nine ducts per day and cut per‑build time from 15 to 9 hours. The distributed, just‑in‑time 3D printing solution delivered 320 parts across three facilities on two continents in seven weeks, kept Kenworth’s assembly line on schedule and avoided the risk of millions in lost revenue (a one‑day stoppage was estimated at ~AU$2M).

Objective3D

Hugh Tevelein

Bureau Operations Manager