Printing and prototyping

Before launching a new vehicle onto the market, the ability to create a prototype that could visually give a tangible version of the potential vehicle can be essential. There are different ways that this can be done traditionally, but by using 3D printing, it allows creatives to create a model of any size, quick and in an efficient manner. And should there be a need to adjust, these can quickly be done, and 3D printed again to get the exact model. Saves on material and time, which is essential to any business.

Replacing Rare Parts

What is a bit of an annoyance is when parts are no longer in stock, especially when it comes to older model vehicles. If you are a classic car collector, this is one of the most challenging parts of classic cars, especially if they want to keep their antique vehicles running. So being able to 3D print these rare parts to keep their antique vehicles running is something that could change the automotive industry. Companies, like Porsche, have already turned to 3D printing to generate spare parts for rare and limited-run vehicles. Similar steps have been taken for any vehicle that owners and shops might have difficulty getting their hands on.

Lighter cars and higher fuel efficiencies

The automotive industry has been looking for alternative fuel when it comes to vehicles. Before the entire industry could fully move onto alternative fuels sources, some adjustments can be made to make current models of vehicles more fuel efficient.

One method that could be considered is replacing certain parts with 3D printed parts, this allows the current vehicles to be slightly lighter, and because of this, less fuel is needed to get the vehicle running. By reducing the weight of the vehicle, less fuel is being used to make it move. Although this is not a common practice, it can certainly be a way to see how 3D printing can be implemented into the automotive industry, to help in becoming more fuel efficient.

Fully 3D printed vehicles?

It may be ambitious and could take years before we see one fully functional, but the idea of a fully 3D printed vehicle sounds tempting. It is something that different automotive manufacturers have tried to do. Of course, not fully successful in these instances, with technology consistently developing and evolving, it is only a matter of time before this becomes possible. Of course, there are a lot of safety and construction factors to be considered. It is not something we should not consider a possibility.

Conclusion 3D Printing in Automotive industry

With still a lot of other factors to consider, it is still easy to see how 3D printing can certainly be a benefit to the automotive industry. Some reasons are a little easier to achieve than others, it is still a possibility in the distant future. If the 3D printing industry continues to grow from a technical aspect, anything is possible. We as Tractus3D see ourselves on trend with these developments and pioneers when it comes to 3D printing technology.