3D Printing
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The use of 3D-printed components isn't exactly new, but it has begun to reach levels normally reserved for mass production. A remarkable example is the 3D priting of parts by BMW. The German automaker said in a November announcement that it has produced one million 3D-printed components since 2010. This year alone, the BMW Group Additive Manufacturing Center will manufacture 200,000 components via 3D printers, which is up 42 percent over 2017. The one-millionth component was a window guide rail for the BMW i8 Roadster. BMW said it took just five days to develop the component which was then...
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HRE's 3-D-printed titanium wheels could lead to a new level of car personalizationPerformance wheel maker HRE says 3-D printers can manufacture a strong, lightweight wheel for supercars. HRE worked with GE Additives in a new partnership to explore the possibilities of a titanium wheel produced with EBM technology (a type of 3-D printing). The prototype wheel, known as HRE3D+...
Sean Szymkowski -
GM banks on 3D printed parts for lower costs, vehicle weightsFuture automotive components could look less like rigid pieces and more like organic shapes. General Motors announced on Thursday that the automaker has worked with Bay-area software company Autodesk to create a 3D-printed component to preview future manufacturing processes. The part is a seat...
Sean Szymkowski -
Hackrod uses 3D printing and VR to bring beautiful La Bandita to lifeWhat if you could design the car of your dreams and see that vision turn real? That's the goal of a new automotive manufacturer called Hackrod, which has turned to 3D printing, virtual reality, and artificial intelligence to bring this ability to life. Their proof of concept? A gorgeous sleek...
Jeff Glucker -
3D printing allows Porsche to create obscure parts for classic carsThree-dimensional printing is poised to revolutionize manufacturing and production processes. It's also excellent news for owners of vintage cars in need of pretty obscure parts. Porsche Classic announced on Monday that it now has the ability to 3D print parts that may no longer be available. Tests...
Sean Szymkowski -
Startup wants to 3D-print your car designAs kids, it was the dream of many auto enthusiasts to design a car just for ourselves. Well, there's a startup company for that. Called Hackrod, the new company wants its customers to do the designing while modern technology engineers it and 3D printers bring it to life. The company envisions...
Sean Szymkowski -
3D printing is poised to redefine numerous industries and has the potential to significantly impact manufacturing processes. Today, Mercedes-Benz took another major step in the transformation of manufacturing: it 3D printed a replacement part from metal. Not only that, but Mercedes-Benz says the part passed all of its stringent quality tests. It's the first time an actual vehicle component has been 3D printed from metal. In this case, it's a replacement thermostat cover for older Mercedes-Benz trucks, and it's made from diecast aluminum alloy. Why did the luxury marque choose to funnel its 3D...
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Local Motors Unveils Its Latest 3D-Printed Car: VideoLocal Motors is keen to bring 3D printing into larger focus within the automotive world. Certain automakers or component manufacturers might make a part this way, but Local Motors is looking to make a nearly complete car using 3D printing. Recently, Local Motors showed us this was possible by way...
Jeff Glucker -
Peugeot Fractal Concept Previews Next-Gen Sound System, 3D-Printed Cabin: VideoPeugeot is hinting at the future of vehicle interiors with its Fractal concept car which is set to debut later this month at the 2015 Frankfurt Auto Show. The concept doesn’t preview any specific model but it does highlight some of the technologies that will be making its way into the French...
Viknesh Vijayenthiran -
Local Motors Moving Along With Plans For 3D-Printed Car: VideoLast year, boutique company Local Motors announced a contest to design a 3D printed car. And now, Automotive News (subscription required) is reporting that the company says it will have a version of the winning design, dubbed the Strati, available to consumers in 2017. According to the Local Motors...
John Coyle -
Ford Releases Four Printable 3D Vehicle Models For DownloadThe Ford Motor Company [NYSE:F] is on a hot streak—and it's eager to bring that enthusiasm to your home in a particularly 'cutting-edge' way. The video announcing the 2016 GT's aspirations for Le Mans greatness made legions of enthusiasts start looking at tickets to France, and the clip...
John Coyle