John Fernandez Level 1
What are the 3D printing applications in the automotive industry?
The 3D printing process is spearheading in various industries and bringing revolutionary changes in terms of cost, complexity, and efficiency etc. Is the automotive industry currently making any parts through 3D printing?
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Bacote Dalila
Indeed, 3D printing is an emerging technology in the vehicle manufacturing supply chain. 3D printing is used for making small and delicate parts easily. There are numerous automakers using parts which are produced through 3D printing, for example, Ford, Bugatti, Honda, BMW, Toyota and others.
Amor Niesha
There are companies out there working on creating 3D printers for automotive and other industries.
For Example, one of the latest developments includes the partnership between DSM and Twikit, under which both will work on the development of 3D printing, which will be used in the industries like automotive, health and clothes. Under the partnership, DSM will provide support on research and materials, while Twikit will work on the software development side.
Aditi Borah
In the automotive sector, the 3D printing technology can play a vital role in various areas like body parts, rims and even shape designs. Several automakers such as Audi, Rolls Royce, BMW and Porsche are working on 3D printing to develop different parts.
The parts which are made through 3D printing are cost-effective compared to traditional manufacturing. Companies use the 3D technology for different purposes; for instance, Audi launched a 3D printing centre in Ingolstadt in 2017 and also working with SLM Solutions Group AG to create various complex parts of the cars bodies. On the other hand, BMW produced approximately 10,000 3D printed components for its Phantom model back in 2016.