ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING create complex automotive components . The VisionVenture concept camper is one such example . Co-created with HYMER , BASF 3D printed more than 100 interior and exterior components for the camper . Without additive manufacturing , the cost and complexity of prototyping applications for a custom vehicle like VisionVenture could not be justified . While additive manufacturing now is typically used to create specialty parts for niche vehicles , the goal is to shift the focus to broader applications for large volumes of production vehicles ,” it added .
Another benefit is reduced cost . By leveraging additive manufacturing , during the design and innovation phase , automakers can reduce the cost of prototyping . Additive manufacturing offers many opportunities to lower costs , such as with on-demand and on-location production , reduced tooling needs , lower inventory levels , among others .
There are also environmental benefits to implementing additive manufacturing . Manufacturing components either onsite or closer to the point of use increases shipping efficiencies and decreases the CO₂ footprint . Shorter distance sourcing is more eco-friendly and helps prevent any interruptions along the global supply chain .
Now fixtures in automotive design studios , factory assembly lines and test tracks , 3D printers are creating complex
The HYMER VisionVenture camper won the German Innovation Award in 2020 .
parts , speeding up tooling cycles , enhancing measurement and testing and providing customisation solutions across all aspects of the vehicle development process .
Automotive OEMS such as BMW , Volkswagen , Audi , Porsche and Ford are already using 3D printing technologies . Short lead times , access to new materials and customisable finishes have encouraged automobile manufacturers to integrate 3D printing processes into their production strategies . Selective laser sintering , fused deposition and selective laser melting are some of the technologies used in this
manufacturing process . Metal additive manufacturing is also used to produce different automobile parts such as bumpers , windbreakers , pumps , valves and cooling vents . Additive manufacturing with 3D printers is also helping to speed up the design and development process of EVs ( electric vehicles ) so they can be designed to be smaller , more compact and friendlier on the environment . Electric motorcycles are also using 3D printed components . From a partnership between the innovative designer of E-Racer and the technical experience of WASP , a new electric 3D-printed motorcycle has evolved , ‘ The Rugged ’. E-Racer called on WASP for the production of components such as carter , riding , tail , lateral frames and tank . The redesign has enabled better part shapes , improved their functionality and made the motorcycle lighter . The parts are 3D-printed in ABS and then sanded and treated with protective Line-X coating . This process makes them more resistant to weathering and adds durability to the material .
However , despite its potential , additive manufacturing has yet to reach mass adoption across the automotive industry . Multiple OEMs have set varying specifications , and this lack of standards is hindering the ability for automotive additive manufacturing to scale . n
ISMR April 2023 |
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