You can 3D print various car parts, such as bumpers, spoilers, dashboards, mirrors, knobs, and even entire chassis, depending on the size and capability of your 3D printer. 3D printing is a revolutionary technology that allows you to create physical objects from digital models, layer by layer, using different materials such as plastic, metal, or resin. 3D printing has many applications in various industries, including automotive, where it can offer benefits such as customization, cost-efficiency, and innovation. In this article, we will explore some of the car parts that you can 3D print, the advantages and challenges of 3D printing for cars, and some examples of 3D printed cars from around the world.
Bumpers and spoilers are some of the most common car parts that can be 3D printed, as they are relatively simple and do not require high mechanical strength or durability. Bumpers are designed to protect the front and rear of the car from minor impacts, while spoilers are used to improve the aerodynamics and stability of the car by reducing drag and lift. 3D printing bumpers and spoilers can allow you to customize the shape, size, and color of these parts, as well as add features such as vents, lights, or sensors. 3D printing can also reduce the weight and cost of these parts, as you can use less material and avoid waste.
One example of a 3D printed bumper is the one created by Local Motors, a company that specializes in 3D printed vehicles. Local Motors 3D printed a bumper for their Strati, a two-seater electric car that was the first 3D printed car in the world. The bumper was made of ABS plastic, a common 3D printing material, and took about four hours to print. The bumper was then attached to the Strati, which was also 3D printed in about 44 hours, using a large-scale 3D printer called the Big Area Additive Manufacturing (BAAM).
Another example of a 3D printed spoiler is the one developed by Airbus, a leading aerospace company. Airbus 3D printed a spoiler for their A350 XWB, a long-range, wide-body jet airliner. The spoiler was made of titanium, a strong and lightweight metal, and took about three days to print. The spoiler was then installed on the A350 XWB, which also features other 3D printed parts, such as brackets, ducts, and valves. Airbus claims that 3D printing can save up to 50% of the weight and cost of these parts, as well as reduce the environmental impact of manufacturing.
Dashboards and mirrors are another category of car parts that can be 3D printed, as they are mostly aesthetic and functional, rather than structural or critical. Dashboards are the panels that contain the instruments, controls, and displays of the car, while mirrors are the reflective surfaces that allow the driver to see the rear and sides of the car. 3D printing dashboards and mirrors can enable you to personalize the look and feel of these parts, as well as add features such as touchscreens, cameras, or speakers. 3D printing can also simplify the design and assembly of these parts, as you can print them as one piece, rather than multiple components.
One example of a 3D printed dashboard is the one created by Honda, a leading automotive company. Honda 3D printed a dashboard for their S660, a small, sporty, convertible car. The dashboard was made of polypropylene, a versatile and recyclable plastic, and took about two weeks to print. The dashboard was then fitted to the S660, which also features other 3D printed parts, such as the steering wheel, the center console, and the door handles. Honda says that 3D printing can offer more design freedom and flexibility, as well as reduce the time and cost of prototyping and production.
Another example of a 3D printed mirror is the one developed by Ford, a renowned automotive company. Ford 3D printed a mirror for their GT, a high-performance, supercar. The mirror was made of nylon, a durable and heat-resistant plastic, and took about 30 hours to print. The mirror was then mounted on the GT, which also features other 3D printed parts, such as the intake manifold, the brake ducts, and the oil pan. Ford says that 3D printing can improve the performance and efficiency of these parts, as well as enable faster innovation and testing.
Knobs and buttons are another type of car parts that can be 3D printed, as they are relatively small and simple, and do not require high precision or quality. Knobs and buttons are the devices that allow the driver to adjust the settings and functions of the car, such as the radio, the air conditioning, the windows, or the lights. 3D printing knobs and buttons can allow you to customize the shape, size, and color of these parts, as well as add features such as symbols, icons, or labels. 3D printing can also make it easier to replace or repair these parts, as you can print them on demand, rather than order them from the manufacturer or the dealer.
One example of a 3D printed knob is the one created by Tesla, a leading electric car company. Tesla 3D printed a knob for their Model 3, a mid-size, luxury, electric sedan. The knob was made of PLA, a biodegradable and eco-friendly plastic, and took about an hour to print. The knob was then installed on the Model 3, which also features other 3D printed parts, such as the phone holder, the cup holder, and the coat hook. Tesla says that 3D printing can enhance the user experience and convenience of these parts, as well as reduce the waste and emissions of manufacturing.
Another example of a 3D printed button is the one developed by BMW, a prestigious automotive company. BMW 3D printed a button for their i8, a hybrid, sporty, convertible car. The button was made of metal, a strong and durable material, and took about a day to print. The button was then attached to the i8, which also features other 3D printed parts, such as the grille, the air vents, and the door sills. BMW says that 3D printing can increase the functionality and quality of these parts, as well as enable more customization and individualization.
Chassis and Body
Chassis and body are the most complex and challenging car parts that can be 3D printed, as they are the main structure and frame of the car, and require high stability, safety, and reliability. Chassis and body are the parts that support and connect the other parts of the car, such as the engine, the wheels, the suspension, and the seats. 3D printing chassis and body can allow you to create unique and innovative shapes and designs, as well as optimize the weight and strength of these parts. 3D printing can also enable more integration and consolidation of these parts, as you can print them as one piece, rather than multiple parts.
One example of a 3D printed chassis is the one created by Divergent 3D, a company that specializes in 3D printing for cars. Divergent 3D printed a chassis for their Blade, a supercar that claims to be the world’s first 3D printed car. The chassis was made of carbon fiber, a light and strong material, and took about 30 minutes to print. The chassis was then assembled with the Blade, which also features other 3D printed parts, such as the body panels, the exhaust, and the brakes. Divergent 3D says that 3D printing can reduce the weight and cost of these parts by up to 90%, as well as lower the environmental impact of production.
Another example of a 3D printed body is the one developed by XEV, a company that focuses on 3D printing for electric cars. XEV 3D printed a body for their Yoyo, a small, urban, electric car. The body was made of resin, a smooth and flexible material, and took about three days to print. The body was then combined with the Yoyo, which also features other 3D printed parts, such as the chassis, the dashboard, and the seats. XEV says that 3D printing can simplify the design and production of these parts, as well as make them more affordable and accessible. Happy Printing!!
