3D printing is actually nothing new, but it has not been applied on a large scale in the field of auto parts. With the exception of some high-end racing cars, 3D printed parts are rarely seen on civilian cars.
On the one hand, the technology is not mature enough, and on the other hand, the use of 3D printing for rare cars with low production capacity such as racing cars is more efficient and cheaper. The reason is simple. Modern products pay attention to the “scale effect”, not to mention making money if the quantity is not reached, and the cost of the production line may not be recovered. 3D printing is more suitable for some small-batch, customized production.
3D printing is actually nothing new, but it has not been applied on a large scale in the field of auto parts. With the exception of some high-end racing cars, 3D printed parts are rarely seen on civilian cars.
On the one hand, the technology is not mature enough, and on the other hand, the use of 3D printing for rare cars with low production capacity such as racing cars is more efficient and cheaper. The reason is simple. Modern products pay attention to the “scale effect”, not to mention making money if the quantity is not reached, and the cost of the production line may not be recovered. 3D printing is more suitable for some small-batch, customized production.
Although it will take time for 3D printing to become popular, the importance of this technology by various car companies is already evident.
For example, BMW announced this year that it expects to 3D print more than 200,000 components; Ford has been testing large-scale 3D printing technology in automobiles at the beginning of the year. The Shelby Mustang GT500 unveiled in 2019 will be equipped with two 3D printed brake parts. The F-150 Raptor also has a 3D printed interior part.
Another giant player is the Volkswagen Group. Volkswagen has opened a 3D printing center in Wolfsburg to focus on the application of 3D printing technology in automobiles.
At the beginning of this year, Bugatti, a brand of the Volkswagen Group, launched the world's first 3D printed eight-piston caliper. The caliper is made of titanium and weighs 6.4 pounds, which is approximately 3 kilograms. It is the largest titanium part manufactured by 3D printing.
There are many applications of 3D printing in auto parts. When the technology is mature enough, it can effectively reduce the production cost of parts and achieve arbitrary customization. In the end, it will certainly not only be the darling of high-end models, but will become a true black technology that benefits the people.