Automobiles

The main driver in 3D printing for vehicles is not printing the entire vehicle, but a move to 3D printing tooling and end-use parts. According to SmarTech, prototyping has only penetrated automotive prototyping by 15% to 20%. Ford, for example, has been 3D printing prototypes for over 20 years to decrease design time. Recently, the company joined others in investing in a new 3D printing technology to explore using it as a means for production.

3D Printing also finds its use in remanufacturing. This is to reduce inventory or generate parts that OEMs may not be producing or storing anymore. However, parts aren’t the only way that 3D printing can help the automotive industry. More companies are adopting 3D printing for jigs and fixtures. Going forward Topogrpahical Optimization is virtually impossible to manufacture with traditional methods, but 3D printing has the potential to handle complex geometries in a minimal waste process with lightweight materials. While different types of plastic printing are grabbing headlines, some companies are looking at large metal parts.

Major Areas of Application today are: