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Client Profile: Innovation DNA of an Industry Giant
Nexen Tire USA is the North-American hub of Korea's Nexen Tire—one of the world's top-ten tire makers—renowned for high-performance tires, SUV tires and leading run-flat technology. A trusted OE supplier to many famous automotive brands, Nexen stays committed to technical innovation; its R&D center constantly explores the most advanced design and engineering solutions to maintain a leading position in fierce market competition.
Customer tire application showcase
Challenge: Wheel Prototype Manufacturing Dilemma
In the process of wheel prototype manufacturing, Nexen Tire USA faces the following challenges:
1. Long development cycle:
Traditional casting process requires 4-6 weeks to manufacture wheel prototypes, seriously affecting new product development speed.
2. High cost:
Each prototype casting costs tens of thousands of dollars and requires specialized molds.
One-Stop Solution
To address the above challenges, Nexen Tire USA adopted CreatBot industrial additive manufacturing (AM) technology combined with end-to-end digital processes to achieve rapid, precision, and functional integrated manufacturing of wheel prototypes.
Innovative Manufacturing Process:
Precision Scanning: Accurate Data Collection
Use high-precision 3D scanning equipment to scan wheel prototypes, with an accuracy of 0.1mm, completely capturing the 3D point cloud data of the wheel surface.
Wheel Prototype High-Precision Scanning CreatBot
3D Printing: Efficient Forming Equipment
Using industrial-grade CreatBot D600 Pro2 HS industrial printer: its 600*600*600mm large forming space perfectly matches the size of wheel prototypes.
- Cost and cycle advantages: No high mold costs required, printing and post-processing can be completed within 3 days.
- Detail restoration capability: Accurately print details such as heat dissipation holes, installation interfaces, and reinforcement structures in the design.
- Material advantages: Use carbon fiber reinforced composite materials to ensure prototype strength meets testing requirements.
Project Results and Value
For Nexen Tire USA:
Technical Indicator Traditional Process This Solution Development Cycle
4-6 weeks
5 days
Production Cost
Tens of thousands of dollars mold cost per set
Zero mold cost, greatly reduced cost
Final Product Nexen Tire USA
Customer Testimonial: High Praise from Chief Engineer
"It's nothing short of a revolution. In the past, when we saw a great design, the first thing we'd think was, 'How painful will it be to manufacture?' Now that thinking has disappeared. The CreatBot D600 Pro2 HS is like a 'time machine' for our R&D department—it keeps our ideas always one step ahead. Its print quality and reliability have completely exceeded our expectations for 3D printers; it's a true industrial production machine. Most importantly, it has freed us from long waits, giving the team unprecedented agility and creativity. This is one of the wisest investments we've made in recent years."
