DB Schenker Offers Spare Parts Delivery via 3D Printing

DB Schenker is taking the lead in sustainable spare parts logistics. As the first global logistics provider, the company is now offering spare parts delivery via 3D printing. Products from a virtual warehouse are available in no time and are produced directly where they are needed. The product was presented for the first time at a conference today.

(Frankfurt/Main) The virtual warehouse reduces delivery costs, shortens delivery times, and is environmentally friendly. “This exemplifies what the logistics of the future can achieve for customers: the goal is to avoid unnecessary inventory and make supply chains even more stable and flexible,” said Thewes.

In light of increasing challenges in global logistics, digital innovations such as spare parts delivery via 3D printing create real added value for customers in many areas. “We want to shorten distances while keeping products available faster and cheaper. To achieve this, we are fully committed to digital innovations,” explained Thewes.

Successful Pilot Projects Conducted

DB Schenker has already successfully tested the virtual warehouse for customers in the machinery, automotive, and rail transport sectors in pilot projects. Parts such as handles, covers, and housings were produced on demand directly near the customer. Without pre-production and storage, capital binding costs are also reduced. The new Schenker service “On-Demand Production” with a virtual warehouse is now being offered worldwide to a broad customer base.

Experience of Deutsche Bahn

For the new product, DB Schenker also relies on the experience of Deutsche Bahn – with already 80,000 parts produced via 3D printing from various materials and technologies. “According to our findings, up to ten percent of companies’ inventory can fundamentally be produced on-site,” said Thewes. Spare parts that are rarely needed, as well as parts that must be stored in large quantities due to high minimum order quantities, are particularly suitable for 3D printing. The virtual storage of the parts is done by securely uploading the 3D blueprints to the cloud.

Further Innovations Presented

In addition to the new “On-Demand Production,” DB Schenker presented numerous other innovations in Frankfurt, including the “Digital Control Tower” for land transport, which makes 9,000 consolidated transports across Europe trackable in real-time every day. DB Schenker’s “Intercontinental Supply Chain Solutions” in air and sea freight utilize artificial intelligence, real-time data, and interactive information platforms to make customers’ supply chains more resilient and sustainable. In the warehouse, DB Schenker relies on sensor technology for safe infection protection to ensure stable operations amid rising Covid infection numbers, as well as inspections via smart glasses to avoid travel and transport efforts.

Title photo: © DB AG/Stefan Wildhirt

Graphics: @ DB Schenker