The process of creating a car includes 3D printing. Whether it’s a small part or a specialty item for a car, 3D printing is changing automotive manufacturing.
We aren’t at a point in the process where an entire car could be built using this process, but some of the parts used inside a vehicle can easily be printed, installed, and enjoyed while out on the road. Of course, there are other ways that 3D printing is being used in the automotive manufacturing process, making it more efficient and effective.
Prototyping uses 3D printing
Although many automakers still create full-size vehicle models out of clay, they also use this printing process to create prototypes and parts that are a little different from the norm. One of the best uses of this process is called rapid prototyping, which can be carried out in a matter of hours instead of weeks. This form of prototyping cuts down on costs and enables automakers to move forward with their plans. This process also allows automakers to test their designs in a virtual world before the 3D printing begins.
Parts can be made much lighter using this process
The time of all car parts being made of iron, steel, or aluminum has ended. We know that carbon fiber is one of the lightest materials used in automotive manufacturing, and many parts can be made using this material through 3D printing to make them lighter. Another way this process makes the manufacturing process better is through rapid tooling, which creates plastic injection molds for composites and tools. Wherever weight reduction is required, 3D printing can be used to cut that weight.
Concepts come to life
Just because an auto designer has an idea doesn’t mean it should be made into a production car. The process of taking a vehicle from idea to concept used to be a labor-intensive undertaking that could also become expensive. Thankfully, utilizing 3D printing in the automotive manufacturing process can make things go from the idea phase to concept much faster than traditional methods. This type of printing for concepts and ideas has replaced some of the clay models that used to be a staple in the industry.
More detail in the molds and dies for car parts
Molds and dies have typically been made out of iron and steel, but with 3D printing, these items can now be made out of plastic, rubber, or any material that makes it easy to create the details desired in these parts. Using 3D-printed dies, automakers can shape and mold everything from leather to metal. Stretching leather over a foam or plastic die allows the material to take the proper shape and look great before assembly.
Some automakers create manufacturing aids
Adding 3D printing to the automotive manufacturing process has churned out some great new tools and aids that help produce parts faster and with much greater accuracy than ever before. The cost of printing and designing single-use parts has been significantly reduced with the increased implementation of 3D printing in this process. In addition to manufacturing aids, some companies use this process to create replacement parts that would normally take automakers up to two years to recreate and develop.
Aftermarket parts is where 3D printing is at
Many drivers want to customize and improve their cars to include better features and singular items. The growth and development of 3D printing allow many consumers to add their own personal touches to their cars, and not just with decals and brightworks. Whether it’s a new set of gauges, screens, or improved wheels, 3D printing enables owners to have the car and the style they want when heading out on the road. Automotive customization has always been popular, and now 3D printing makes it more interesting.
Improved performance using printed parts
Some might think that 3D printing in automotive manufacturing is limited to interior parts and can’t be applied to engine and performance items have been proved wrong. Most recently, the development of the Toyota GR Yaris included some performance parts created utilizing this process. This makes it possible to use some of the toughest plastics and resin to create parts that can work in the engine bay during the development of a vehicle. These parts cut down on the cost of testing mules put out on the road.
Where will we see 3D printing in automotive manufacturing over the next several years? Could entire cars be built using this process in the future?
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