Case Study: General Motors achieves 32% weight reduction and 75–80% lead‑time savings with Stratasys 3D‑printed FDM Nylon 12CF risers

General Motors uses Stratasys 3D printing to create lightweight risers out of FDM Nylon 12CF for Chevy Bolt assembly line

General Motors (GM), a global leader in transportation innovation, needed a lighter, low‑maintenance overhead conveyor pallet riser for Chevy Bolt assembly after existing tooling weight caused periodic downtime. GM worked with Stratasys, using the F900 3D printer and FDM Nylon 12CF (carbon fiber) material, as an alternative to aluminum that would avoid offsite repairs and special welding requirements.

Stratasys’ 3D‑printed FDM Nylon 12CF risers delivered the solution: strong, stiff, and significantly lighter parts that can be produced on demand. The Stratasys implementation achieved a 32% weight reduction versus aluminum (72% versus steel), cut lead time from about nine weeks to two weeks (75–80% time savings), lowered costs by reducing build and post‑machining, and reduced the frequency of periodic maintenance.

General Motors