Application of 3D printing in automotive design

With the continuous development of technology, the application of 3D printing in the automotive industry is becoming more and more extensive, and its advantages are obvious:

1、3D printing doesn’t require any molds, and you don’t have to pay for additional molds and labor, which greatly reduces costs.

2、The biggest advantage of 3D printing is that it saves time and can shorten the production cycle of parts by more than 50%.

3、The new technology of 3D printing can support a variety of powerful materials, and there is always one that can meet your needs.

In the automotive industry, 3D printing is speeding up the process of designing and developing automobiles at a lower cost, most commonly through prototyping and concept model preparation.

1、Use 3D Printing to make prototype parts

Ford uses a variety of 3D printing technologies to rapidly build prototypes. Engineers and designers can get their designs in just a few hours, compared to weeks with traditional methods.

This helps designers see how lines and shadows appear in different lighting conditions. It can also help designers iterate quickly. If you want to make this kind of engraving, 3D printing is undoubtedly the best choice.

2、Turn the concept car into reality

Citroen’s new all-electric pickup truck concept, the OLI, is equipped with 20 3D printed parts, its entire backrest is made of flexible 3D printed plastic material, and the open lattice structure provides natural airflow, replacing all ventilation equipment in the seat, using 80% fewer parts than traditional seats, which reduces the complexity of design and manufacturing.

3D printing also provides more feasibility and solutions for creating lightweight automotive parts. With topology-optimized geometry and integrated design, the chair can be manufactured by 3D printing to reduce weight by around 50%.

The automotive industry is constantly trying to reduce the overall weight of components and designs to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. 3D printing can achieve this by utilizing lightweight materials such as composites and engineering plastics.

Of course, different parts, and even different stages require different 3D printing technology.At Protosoon, our team of experienced engineers can help you decide which 3D printing technology is best suited for your project. Plus, we will provide end-to-end support for the entirety of your production run. Contact us today to get started on your next project.

In the next part, we will talk about some applications of 3D printing in automobile manufacturing.