The automotive industry is constantly evolving, and its technological advances are faster than ever before. The interest in modern technologies concerns not only consumers, but also manufactures, who want to meet the market demands and have to reach for the most advanced solutions. Although 3D printing is not one of the newest discoveries, as it has been developing for over 30 years, today it is difficult to imagine the development of the automotive industry without it. The automotive sector successfully uses additive technologies, starting from the prototype stage. The article below explains how diverse the possibilities of using 3D printing are.
Rapid creation of functional prototypes
In the automotive industry, creation of a prototype is essential to putting parts into production. It is at this stage that engineers can verify if the concept meets its objectives. After studies and tests, the first copy is to be made in accordance with the documentation to verify the design. Due to the possibility of examining the designed part in real-world conditions, designers can notice any errors and correct them before the production is started. The process of creating a prototype is usually expensive. This is where additive technologies come in handy, as they are not expensive when it comes to manufacturing a single copy. At the same time, 3D printers can quickly make a fully functional part to be used for experimental purposes. This makes 3D printing the basic tool for designing high-quality car parts. The technology also makes it possible to create visual prototypes of entire vehicle models of appropriate scale in any color, which is particularly useful in developing new vehicle concept.
3D printing of car parts
The 3D printing technique is also used to create end-use parts for motor vehicles and manufacture spare parts. Even very complex components can be printed quickly and accurately in the quantities needed. Filaments used for 3D printing are very diverse and suitable for automotive applications. Car parts can be 3D printed not only from plastics, but also from metal. If necessary, they can be subjected to further treatment after printing, such as grinding or painting. 3D printing is perfect for creating small elements, such as car dashboard buttons, and also larger parts, e.g., engine covers.
Creation of special vehicle equipment
3D printing is ideal for small series production, which is why it is often used to create equipment for special vehicles, e.g., ambulances, police, military, or racing cars, and even premium cars with original body design leaving car enthusiasts in awe. These types of vehicles with a specific design are not mass-produced, and the use of other manufacturing methods may be much more expensive than 3D printing.
Restoration of vintage cars
Companies engaged in restoration of vintage cars often face the problem with the lack of original spare parts, which are not manufactured for years and are therefore difficult to find. Such companies use the possibilities offered by 3D printing and often first resort to reverse engineering, which, based on a real-world object, can create its 3D model and then print the missing part as an exact copy of the original. As a result, a car under restoration will not lose its original, unique appearance and exceptional character.
The above applications of 3D printers illustrate how important their role in the automotive sector is and how effective their use is. Hence, the claim that 3D printing is the future of the automotive industry is not exaggerated, but absolutely true. The companies choosing 3D printing technology undoubtedly gain a huge competitive advantage over other companies in the automotive sector.
