3D Printing for Automotive
Automakers, race teams and other vehicle OEMs continue to turn to 3D printing for functional prototyping, assembly tools, forming and injection molds, and end-use parts. Electric vehicles represent a new market for additive manufacturing, and an opportunity for this technology to go farther than ever before. ​​​​​
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Ford is Saving Millions through 3D Printing (But Maybe Not How You Think)
Two longtime workers at Ford’s Sharonville Transmission Plant near Cincinnati grew tired of experiencing the delays and downtime resulting from expensive and hard-to-get replacement parts. The solution? Learn additive manufacturing and save the company time and money.
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Photocentric Explores How 3D Printed Battery Electrodes Could Drive Electric Vehicles Forward
Precise control of battery electrode architecture through photopolymerization opens the door to new cell geometries and lighter battery packs for EVs and more, Photocentric says.
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As 3D Printing for Production Becomes Practical, the Attention in Materials Shifts to Practical Concerns
Recent posts relate to ensuring sufficient materials supply for production, certifying processes for AM materials, and even whether the properties of polymer AM include the ability to hold a screw.
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Why GM’s Electric Future Is Also an Additive Future
Production capacity isn’t the only reason that additive has been slow to make inroads into the automotive industry. There is a larger barrier to entry—one that General Motors and Autodesk are working to overcome.
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Latest Automotive News And Updates
German National Railway Certifies Essentium HSE Printing Platform, Materials
Essentium’s additive manufacturing solutions will enable Deutsche Bahn to increase its fleet availability through easy and fast replacement of parts and tools.
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Velo3D Qualifies Aluminum Alloy to Support Formula 1 Customers
Aluminum alloy supports Formula 1 customers by enabling the production of parts requiring high thermal conductivity and durability, and is available to print in both 50 and 100 micron layers.
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AddUp Adds Constellium’s Aheadd CP1 Aluminum Alloy to Material Portfolio
The Aheadd CP1 aluminum alloy was developed by Constellium for the needs of additive manufacturing by laser powder bed fusion specifically for high-performance and lightweight applications.
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Würth CEO Joins 3D Printing in Auto Collision Task Force
The task force will evaluate how 3D printed auto parts can be used to assist in the collision and automotive repair sector in a safe and regulated environment.
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Visser Precision Joins Velo3D Global Contract Manufacturing Network
The number of high-performance superalloys certified for additive manufacturing continues to grow as Visser Precision purchases first Velo3D Sapphire printer calibrated for Hanes 214 — with customers in aerospace, defense, automotive and industrial tooling.
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Hexagon Invests in Divergent’s Autonomous, Sustainable Manufacturing
The Divergent Adaptive Production System (DAPS) is a fully integrated software and hardware solution, creating a complete modular digital factory that combines AI-optimized generative design software, additive manufacturing and automated assembly to build lightweight automotive parts and frames.
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Featured Posts
A Tour of The Stratasys Direct Manufacturing Facility
The company's Belton manufacturing site in Texas is growing to support its various 3D printing applications for mass production in industries such as automotive and aerospace.
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Faster Iteration, Flexible Production: How This Inflation System OEM Wins With 3D Printing
Haltec Corp., a manufacturer of tire valves and inflation systems, finds utility in 3D printing for rapid prototyping and production of components for its modular and customizable products.
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Seurat: Speed Is How AM Competes Against Machining, Casting, Forging
“We don’t ask for DFAM first,” says CEO. A new Boston-area additive manufacturing factory will deliver high-volume metal part production at unit costs beating conventional processes.
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3D Printed Cutting Tool for Large Transmission Part: The Cool Parts Show Bonus
A boring tool that was once 30 kg challenged the performance of the machining center using it. The replacement tool is 11.5 kg, and more efficient as well, thanks to generative design.
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8 Transformations 3D Printing Is Making Possible
Additive manufacturing changes every space it touches; progress can be tracked by looking for moments of transformation. Here are 8 places where 3D printing is enabling transformative change.
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How AM Enables Cobot Automation for Thyssenkrupp Bilstein (Includes Video)
The shock absorber maker has responded to its staffing shortages through extensive use of collaborative robots. In-house 3D printing makes this possible by providing the related hardware needed to complete the cobot-automated cells.
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FAQ: Automotive
What are examples of 3D printed automotive parts?
Examples of additively manufactured automotive parts include:
- Structural components
- Solid-state batteries
- Interior features, such as these customizable cupholders
- Heat exchangers
- Tooling for forming components and machining motors
- Brackets
- Drive housings
- Pedals
How do you 3D print a solid-state battery?
One company, Sakuu, developed a multi-material, multi-process 3D printing platform called Kavian. It combines a binder jetting type process for larger areas, and then material jetting for finer details.
Dave Peterson, who is the Vice President of Marketing and Business Development at Sakuu, describes a solid-state battery as a sandwich or a layer cake with the solid electrolyte in between the anode and the cathode. The challenge of a solid-state battery is the manipulation of thin sheets of material 20- to 30-microns thick and ensuring that these surfaces interface properly. Sakuu’s platform builds up the layers in the 3D printing process, removing the need to handle multiple, very thin sheets of material.
Source: Multimaterial 3D Printing Enables Solid State Batteries and How Additive Manufacturing Is Transforming EVs and Transportation
What are the benefits of additive manufacturing for the automotive industry?
Some benefits additive manufacturing and 3D printing bring to the automotive industry are:
- Lightweighting
- Assembly consolidation
- Unique designs and surfaces to improve performance
- Nimble workflow and prototyping
