The investment – Porsche’s first foray into additive manufacturing – aims to explore the application of the cutting-edge technology in the automotive industry, while being another measure to speed up the deployment of the company‘s digital strategy. Launched in 2016 and with its headquarters in China, INTAMSYS specialises in 3D printing from prototype manufacturing to volume production, and endeavours to accelerate breakthroughs in core technologies with continuous research and development input. So far, its products have been widely applied in the fields of aerospace, automotive, medical and scientific research, among many others.
Rapid deployment and development of 3D printing
Innovation and the research and development of intelligent solutions play a key role in enabling Porsche to achieve continued progress and success. With the gradual digital transformation of the automotive industry, 3D printing is seeing rapid deployment and development. Porsche believes additive manufacturing, as an integral part of future digital manufacturing technology, will play an important role in promoting the digitalisation of companies and, as a high-tech sector, is therefore deserving of long-term and continuous input. Not to mention the new possibilities that 3D printing opens up in the development and manufacture of small-series parts and components.
“Digital transformation has seeped into every aspect of production and daily life, and is listed as one of the core issues in Porsche’s operation strategy,” says Jens Puttfarcken, President and CEO of Porsche China. “Porsche plans to boost the actual application of additive manufacturing technology, and leverage the significant innovation potential of 3D printing in terms of both product and process to offer customers more flexible production and customisation services. We are honoured to support INTAMSYS as an important partner on Porsche’s digital transformation journey, as they help fulfill our vision of the future.”
The insights of INTAMSYS into craftsmanship and the company‘s persistent pursuit of digital manufacturing perfection makes it an ideal fit for the Stuttgart-based sports car manufacturer. While always meeting demanding industrial production standards, INTAMSYS has achieved a significant breakthrough in the small-scale production of automotive parts and components, which reflects the tenacity and technical strength of its team.
It is hoped that the strategic investment will help Porsche to digitalise and improve its product manufacturing process while the company plans to expand the application of additive manufacturing to fulfill its strategic objective as a digital mobility solution provider in the luxury car segment.
Close cooperation between Porsche and INTAMSYS
“We are excited to see that our product and vision are recognised and supported by Porsche,” says Charles Han, CEO of INTAMSYS. “In the future, we at INTAMSYS will continue our close cooperation with Porsche to develop more innovative products, expand the application of additive manufacturing and empower the digital manufacturing transformation of the automotive industry, in a bid to benefit more customers with high-tech solutions.”
As a subsidiary of Porsche, Porsche Ventures is committed to partnering with and investing in outstanding entrepreneurs and start-ups from all over the world, with offices in Europe, the US, Israel and China. Aware of the huge potential of the Chinese market, Porsche Ventures focuses on the dynamics of emerging industries in the region, such as automotive, innovative technology, the internet and artificial intelligence. It has successively invested in local start-ups like NIO Capital and iMaker to expand its portfolio in China. Porsche Ventures also allocates more than 150 million euros each year for investment in start-ups and venture capital firms, focusing on future-oriented technology, emerging trends and new business models, while providing industrial resources and experience to the companies in which it invests.