Everything You Need to Know About 3D Printed Car Parts

3D printing has been around in the automotive sector for several years now. Many parts have been prototyped such as spare wheel holders and wheel rims, car fenders, toolboxes and battery trays. But now it is proving to be a viable solution to mass-produce replacement parts. I cannot help but wonder if this new production method might also kick off a revolution in modern vehicle design.

Mass-Produced Customized Parts

More and more companies are turning to 3D printing for prototyping and even for mass-produced customized parts. The main reason for this is that 3D printing offers a number of advantages over traditional manufacturing, such as reduced costs and faster manufacturing times. In addition to these benefits, 3D printing is also a great way to make customized parts that no one else can supply.

The automotive industry has been an early adopter of this technology, and many manufacturers and suppliers are already using 3D printing to produce custom parts. You may not be aware of this because most of the parts you see in cars are made by injection moulding, where the moulds are expensive to make and have long lead times. As a result, carmakers tend to produce large numbers of each part at once, meaning that there’s no room for customization on a large scale.

3D Printing Both Parts And Tools

Carmakers are using 3D printing to make both parts and tools, on-demand.

The automotive industry has been especially receptive to technology. The relatively low cost of 3D printing and its ability to produce geometrically complex parts at fast rates have made it an attractive option for manufacturers looking to cut costs, speed up production and improve quality.

One reason for the industry’s interest is that a lot of car components are suitable for 3D printing. Car parts that can be used in 3D printing include:

Air ducts

Wheel rims

Interior trims

Spare parts

3D Printed Car Parts For Repairing

Car parts can be replaced with 3D printing, whether it’s a bumper, a dashboard or a door handle.

The technology is currently used to print prototypes and small quantities of parts. As the cost of a 3D printer drops, this process could become more common.

3D Printing Can Be Used To Produce Very Lightweight Parts.

3D printing can be used to produce very lightweight parts. Many automotive components are made from steel, which is obviously not the lightest material. However, when you start making parts from strong but lightweight carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP), you have a winning combination. The Ford GT uses a number of 3D printed CFRP parts including the brake ducts and intake manifolds.

Is It Reliable?

In a 3D printing lab at the University of Glasgow, two scientists have developed a groundbreaking method for creating car parts.

Using a modified 3D printer, they can now make shock absorbers that are stronger and lighter than those currently on the market – and their technology could soon be used to produce parts for use in Formula One.

The technology will also be useful in the production of lighter, more efficient cars for consumers, which would help tackle the problem of climate change.