Introduction
Electric and self-driven vehicles have become an essential part of our lives already. For the past couple of decades, 3D printing has been fundamentally used by car manufacturers to develop automotive prototypes in order to check their fit and form in the automotive industry. This enabled automobile manufacturers to build aesthetic parts; however, they were not as sturdy and could not be used for long.
But today, we live in a world with more vigorous technologies for automotive 3D printing, like fused filament fabrication (FFF). This is used not only for developing prototypes but also for end-use parts.
3D printing is becoming a game-changer for the automotive parts industry. The market for accessories and parts looks completely different now. There are plenty of small and large-scale players, and the competition there is fierce.
In this article, we at DynoTech, have brought to you 5 ways in which the automotive industry is transforming the way that parts are developed, designed, and manufactured.
5 Ways The Automotive Industry Is Transforming
- Prototyping And Testing
Fast prototyping and testing continue to be the most common use of 3D printing in the automotive industry today. This technology has enabled automobile manufacturers to test various aspects of a vehicle, whether a wing mirror, bumper, or even an engine component. The main benefits 3D printing has over traditional methods are cost and speed, eradicating the requirement of costly tooling. Subsequently, different iterations can be developed of a part at the same time.
The result is an immensely optimised part that has notably evolved and enhanced with every iteration, with a lead-time reduction from nearly 16 weeks to only a couple of days.
- Customisation
Customisation is progressively a significant advantage of 3D printing for the automobile industry, with car manufacturers seeking out DynoTech to customise items such as gear sticks and key fobs. In addition, customers are also becoming more aware of this technology, so brands are witnessing rising demand for 3D-printed parts in automobiles.
- Optimisation And Consolidation of Parts
The primary attraction of 3D printing is the ability to develop innovative parts that are not possible to manufacture with traditional technology. This enables designers to showcase more creative freedom, being able to develop organic geometries. Traditional methods of manufacturing mean that parts must be designed with definite processes in mind. The result is that parts that were designed traditionally in multiple pieces with a view that the end process of manufacturing can be reinforced into one.
Conclusion
Efficiency is the top priority on the production line for manufacturers. A lot of automobile manufacturers utilise aids like customised fixtures to make the process of assembling and manufacturing more reliable. 3D printing is now used for creating these custom tools and extensions to decrease time cycles and enhance worker safety. DynoTech is your sure-shot solution for 3D printing in your manufacturing process. We also offer high-tech laser solutions to make the process of automobile manufacturing more manageable. So, get in touch with us today and find the best solutions.