A 3D-printed car is made using additive manufacturing, where its components are constructed layer by layer with plastics, metals or composites. Car companies have been implementing this technology, in some capacity, for years now. In fact, 3D-printing industry veteran estimates that 100 percent of car design today is done with 3D printing.
Applications in the Automotive Industry
Examples of automotive applications of 3D printing include:
- Prototyping of parts
- Tooling
- Jigs and fixtures
- Low volume parts production
3D printing has significantly transformed the way automobiles are designed, developed, and manufactured. That’s exactly what the German engineering design studio EDAG understood when they created the 3D printed car called Light Cocoon. They successfully worked on the topological optimization of their 3D printed structures, which are lightweight: only 19 grams per square meter.
The printing process has been improved, bringing the printing time of 140 hours down to less than 45 hours. Since then, the printing time of the Strati has been brought to less than 24 hours and is continuing research efforts with the hope of printing the car in less than 10 hours.
Safety and Legality
Disputes exist over the title of the world’s first 3D-printed car. The parts for a 3D printed car can be made from recycled plastic, which means that less new material needs to be produced. Additionally, 3D printed cars can be designed to be more energy-efficient. These cars are safe to drive as some companies have already developed functional 3D printed cars that have been tested on the road and passed safety standards.
Restoration and Sustainability
While designing presents the possibilities of the future, we also have the other side of the spectrum: classic cars. This is where restoration comes in. By using lightweight materials and optimizing designs, 3D printing enables the production of lighter vehicles. This improves fuel efficiency, meets regulatory requirements for sustainability and reduces emissions.
Classic car restoration utilizes 3D printing. Parts like wings, ducts, suspension, and engine covers print much faster. This allows greater design flexibility than traditional manufacturing.