In recent years, chip shortages and shipping disruptions have limited affordable new cars, driving demand for reliable remanufactured engines and transmissions. Jasper Engines & Transmissions has met this need with innovative solutions like high-throughput 3D printing, ensuring efficiency without compromising quality.
The Challenge of Modern Automotive Supply Chains
During peak supply chain disruptions, finding affordable transmissions became as hard as getting vaccines during the pandemic. With new parts scarce and used car prices soaring, repairs and maintenance became essential for keeping vehicles on the road.
Jasper Engines & Transmissions sells around 7,000 transmissions and 5,500 engines each month, serving thousands of garages nationwide. To maintain this scale without compromising quality or speed, Jasper uses advanced 3D printing, transforming the way it manufactures, tests, and delivers parts.
What is remanufacturing at Jasper?
Jasper’s approach is built on remanufacturing engines and transmissions to standards that meet or exceed their original OEM performance.
The company backs its remanufactured transmissions with a strong three-year or 100,000-mile warranty, often exceeding manufacturer warranties. Rapid prototyping and tooling advances enabled by 3D printing help the company achieve this high level of quality assurance.
3D Printing: A Game-Changer in Transmission Manufacturing
Once used for simple prototypes, the printers now create specialised tools, replacement parts, and even end-use components.
This capability introduced a wave of possibilities to print components that were traditionally injection moulded, allowing Jasper to be more flexible and responsive to production needs.
Supporting Internal Processes and Equipment Longevity
Beyond transmission parts, Jasper Auto Parts also uses 3D printing for internal maintenance and equipment repair. When gears or components for older machines became unavailable, the team designed and printed replacements in-house, avoiding costly downtime.
A notable success story is in the redesign and 3D printing of durable battery cases for their battery-powered hand tools. Previously, these cases broke frequently—up to 10-15 times weekly—leading to hundreds of replacements annually. The 3D printed versions not only lasted longer but were also less expensive, leading to wider acceptance and increased demand for 3D printed solutions across the company.
Nylon Powder and High-Strength Automotive Parts
Jasper’s 3D-printed parts use advanced materials like Nylon 12 Glass-Filled (GF) Powder for superior strength and durability in demanding automotive applications. This advancement enables the in-house production of more transmission components essential for smooth vehicle performance.
The use of 3D-printed manufacturing aids, fixtures, and end-use parts ensures minimal disruptions in production and distribution, keeping supply chains resilient even during external crises.
Controlling Supply Chain and Future Outlook
The pandemic underscored the vulnerability of global supply chains, with long waits caused by port congestion and semiconductor shortages impacting vehicle manufacturing and repair. Through 3D printing, Jasper gained greater control over their component production, reducing reliance on external suppliers and minimizing delays.
As long as Jasper’s printers run and materials remain stocked, they can manufacture necessary parts on demand, which is invaluable for delivering timely powertrain solutions nationwide.
In conclusion, 3D printing has empowered Jasper Engines & Transmissions to keep mechanics and vehicle owners on the road during challenging times. It has also raised the standard for agility, cost-efficiency, and innovation in automotive remanufacturing. By integrating advanced manufacturing technologies like 3D printing, Jasper drives the industry’s transformation and ensures that high-quality remanufactured transmissions are always within reach.
This article highlights how Jasper Auto Parts is using 3D printing to innovate transmission production and improve availability. It can be customized or expanded for specific audiences and media formats as needed.
