With COVID-19’s fatal blows to the world, the automotive industry is suffering greatly. From cancelled meets to defunct aftermarket companies, an already rapidly developing industry is being pushed to unknown limits. Before this pandemic, however, OEMs were already developing to adapt to the future of making parts, by making prototype parts. Now these manufacturers are using this innovation to create end-use products.
Take Porsche, specifically Porsche Classic, as an example. With exquisitely rare classic models, such as the 959, parts are simply not available. By simply taking a scan of the parts needed, the product can be produced on demand, eliminating tools and storage, according to Porsche Newsroom. This process, also known as “additive manufacturing,” has shown that it can very well break the barriers set by previous limits. For example, parts can now be made into different shapes without the setbacks previously associated with it.
Another place this is used is in the cars of France’s renown hypercar maker, Bugatti, that printed this titanium brake caliper. About 2.6 pounds lighter than the traditional caliper and able to withstand 2000 degrees Fahrenheit, it represents how these innovations will prove their benefits over traditional methods. With improvements weight, efficiency, and performance, these parts are setting new standards for the industry.
With the spread of coronavirus increasing, automakers have turned to these new innovations to make masks. The question remains though, will they turn back to their conventional methods, or will 3D printing become the new standard. Hopefully, for CAD (computer aided design) students like me, this change will open the eyes of more developers and manufacturers to keep the change. Either way, this new development is gaining attention and popularity, so the change is likely inevitable. Stay safe!
More Info:
- https://newsroom.porsche.com/en/technology/porsche-additive-manufacturing-3d-printing-laser-technology-16650.html
- https://newsroom.porsche.com/en/company/porsche-classic-3d-printer-spare-parts-sls-printer-production-cars-innovative-14816.html
- https://archer-soft.com/blog/how-3d-printing-used-automotive-industry
- https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1127591_bugatti-expands-the-use-of-3d-printing-on-latest-hypercars
- https://3dprint.com/111644/3d-printing-revolutionize-auto/
