Bosch 3D-Prints a V8 Engine Block With Nikon SLM Solutions

A Single-Piece V8 Block

The Bosch Additive Solution Center in Nuremberg used a Nikon SLM Solutions NXG XII 600 to print a complete V8 engine block in one piece. The part was built in AlSi10Mg aluminum alloy, the same material used in many conventional engine components.

Why This Matters for Automotive

Most metal 3D printed car parts today are brackets, ducts, or custom tooling. A full engine block is a different class of part. It carries combustion loads, houses coolant passages, and must survive years of heat and vibration.

The partners say the success here is not just about printing the part. It is about proving that additive manufacturing can move from prototype shops into tier 1 and tier 2 automotive supply chains. Bosch wants to use the technology for production parts, not just showpieces.

Eliminating Tooling Lead Times

Traditional engine block production requires expensive casting tooling that takes months to produce. With additive manufacturing, the design can be changed between iterations without waiting for new molds. The partners also integrated cooling channels directly into the block geometry and used topology optimization to remove material where it is not needed.

What Comes Next

Nikon SLM Solutions says the V8 demonstrator is a clear signal that metal additive manufacturing is moving beyond prototyping. The collaboration with Bosch will continue to cover materials, process parameters, design for additive manufacturing, and software integration. The goal is to move AM from capability to production reality in automotive.