3D Printed Automotive Parts: Comprehensive Guide
3D printing has the capability of producing components for various sectors, and among them, automobiles are highly reliant on this process. The process of 3D printing offers many benefits, and if you are looking forward to learning about 3D printing in the automobile sector, you can read this guide below.
Benefits of 3D Printed Automotive Parts
There are various advantages of 3D printed car parts, and some of these are given below:
Offers Design Flexibility
3D printing is a flexible process of manufacturing automobile components. It offers to create components that have complex geometries having channels internally. Hence, innovative layouts can be designed with the help of 3D printing.
Offers Rapid Prototyping
The process of traditional prototyping takes a lot of time and needs special tools. The process of 3D printing allows the creation of functional prototypes in no time with the help of digital models. The designers are able to test the designs and make adjustments as quickly as possible so that the development process starts on time.
Customized Component Manufacturing
3D printing offers the creation of parts that are suitable for specific requirements of the automobile and can even help replace the parts of obsolete cars.
Meno sprechi
Traditional methods of manufacturing cause a lot of waste during the process of machining. However, 3D printing creates components in layers and uses the required material only. Hence, a lot of waste reduction is attained, and lightweight components are created.
What Materials Can be Used to 3D Print Automotive Parts?
There are different types of materials that are used in the 3D printing of automobile parts, and some of these are given below:
ABS
ABS stands for Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, which is used in automobile parts very commonly. The 3D printing components manufactured through ABS have the ability to withstand fluctuating temperatures and offer resistance against shock. It provides high flexibility.
The interior components and dashboards of automobiles are mostly manufactured through ABS.
PLA
PLA is a term for plastics, and it is also opted for manufacturing components through 3D printing. Since ABS causes warping, in this case, opting for PLA can be a good decision. However, it doesn't offer shock resistance, and its transition to glass temperature is low compared to ABS.
It is used to manufacture upholstery, floor mats, and other under-the-hood components of automobiles.
PETG
PETG is an upgraded version of PLA, it is suitable for use with such 3D printers that do not have printer beds. It offers high heat and shock resistance. However, the downside of this material is that it has poor adhesion properties.
It offers excellent dimensional stability and is also suitable for automobile components that need impact resistance. Trim parts, some exterior components, and protective covers can be manufactured for automobiles using PETG 3D printing.
Alluminio
Aluminum is a lightweight material that is used in automobile components and can be compatible with the 3D printing process. The corrosion resistance, strength, and thermal conductivity of aluminum make it suitable for 3D printing car body panels and other parts like engine components and brackets.
Applications of 3D Printing in the Automotive Industry
There are many applications of 3D printing in the automobile sector, and some of these are the following:
Components of Engine
Engine components like 3D printed pistons and cylinder heads are manufactured through the process of 3D printing. The pistons are optimized for strength and weight and, hence, offer better performance and fuel efficiency. At the same time, the cylinder heads have complex channels for internal cooling, which are also manufactured through 3D printing.
Mounts and Brackets
Brackets are support components for the engine. To reduce their weight, they can be manufactured through 3D printing. Similarly, exhaust mounts are also manufactured through 3D printing heat resistance materials that can withstand the exhaust system’s temperature.
Transmission Components
The transmission components, like gears, have a complex geometry and, hence, need to be highly efficient and not produce noise. 3D printing offers efficient manufacturing of gears, and even housings used in components can be manufactured through this process.
Interior and Exterior Components
3D printed car body parts which are used for the interior and exterior of the cars, such as trims, air vents, panels, mirrors, and bumper prototypes, require innovation and ease of use. Hence, 3D printing offers a suitable process for the interior and exterior components.
3D Design Software for Making 3D Printed Automotive Parts
The 3D printing process is dependent on certain software, which allows the designers to create the design of the model, which is then converted into a 3D component. Some of these software are the following:
Fusion 360
Fusion 360 caters to CAD design and manufacturing and is used for 3D printing of automobile components. It costs $500 a year and is suitable for experienced users.
AutoCAD
AutoCAD is from the Autodesk lineup and is meant to cater to the professionals in manufacturing automobile parts. It offers an advanced setup, allowing various designs to be created, and costs $1800 for a year.
Inventor
Inventor is a special tool that offers simulation of performance and designing of mechanical components. Hence, in 3D printing, automobile parts like turbo housings and exhaust tips are manufactured using it.
SolidWorks
SolidWorks is a very user-friendly tool that allows designing of multiple components. It comes with a feature that allows for designing multiple components of automobiles. It can be purchased by paying a one-time charge of $4000.
Best Printers for 3D Auto Parts Printing
The process of 3D printing auto parts requires some good printers, and some of the best options are given below:
Prusa i3 MKS
Il Prusa i3 MKS is used for printing 3D auto parts as it is a very good FDM printer. It offers enhanced sensors for mesh bed-leveling and has improved features. The price of this printer ranges between $970 to $1300, based on your selected option.
Elegoo Mars 3
It is a resin printer that offers a 4K screen and allows for efficient printing of the interior components of a car. These interior components may consist of buttons and handles and are very quick to print. It takes as little as 15 to 3 seconds and is also an affordable option priced at $300.
Formlabs Form 3
Form 3 is one of the leading 3D resin printers which is opted by professionals. It is an expensive one and has excellent quality printing for precision oriented auto parts. The price of this printer is around $3500.
Ultimaker S5
The Ultimaker is a 3D printer that has a dual extruder, and it is an FDM printer. It has the ability to work on various materials, cater to specific requirements, and print everything that you design. However, it is quite expensive and costs around $6000.
DEK’s Automotive Prototype & Custom Auto Parts Manufacturing
DEK is one of the leading manufacturers of automobile parts using various techniques. Among these techniques, our 3D printing techniques allow you to have automotive prototypes manufactured.
We also manufacture 3D printed custom components for your automobiles with high quality and affordability. So, you can discuss your custom requirements with us, and we will provide you with these components in no time.
Conclusione
3D printing is a very versatile and innovative technique that allows the manufacturing of versatile components for automobiles. It can be done with different materials and offers various benefits, which you must have learned in the guide above.
Domande frequenti
What car parts can you print?
We can print almost all types of car parts you require, customized based on your specifications. Some of these include pedal spacers, door panels, cooling ducts for brakes, and many more.
Are 3D printed car parts very expensive?
The cost of 3D printing car body parts is based on factors like complexity, volume of production, and material opted. Overall, 3D printing is a cost-effective manufacturing technique compared to traditional methods. However, some parts that are large and high-performing may be a bit costly.
