Automobile Sector and 3D Printing
As per Wohlers Reports, the additive manufacturing (AM) industry, also known as 3D Printing, has experienced sustained growth in double digits of 18.3% for 3D printed products and services in 2022, indicating that the market has rebounded from the pandemic. The growth rate was determined from data provided by hundreds of companies from different parts of the world.
3D Printing and 3D printers find a wide range of applications today in various sectors, including the automobile, aerospace, and healthcare industries in India.In this article, we will see how 3D Printing has made a positive impact on the automotive sector.
Cars – the Race is Always On
The race to make better automobiles has been ongoing for decades. Automobile manufacturers are constantly trying to improve their vehicles in terms of performance, fuel efficiency, safety, and comfort.One major driver of this race is consumer demand. With growing disposable income – especially in fast developing countries like India - customers want vehicles that are reliable, safe, and efficient. In recent years, there has been a particular focus on environmental sustainability as well, with many manufacturers working to reduce the environmental impact of their vehicles. This has led to the development of alternative fuel vehicles such as electric, hydrogen, and biofuel-powered cars - more on this later in the article.
Today, all the major automobiles in world, including India, are looking at innovative ways to offer better cars, and 3D Printing is one such tool that is helping them.
Traditional subtractive manufacturing processes are based on the removal of raw materials to create final products. By contrast, 3D Printing works by building a product layer by layer — hence the name “additive manufacturing.” Of the many 3D Printing processes available today, the ones that are most promising for the automobile sector include Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) and Stereolithography (SLA). Polymers are the most popular choice of raw materials, followed by metals.
In the automotive sector, 3D Printing is used for:
Major automobile manufacturers and suppliers in India, have been exploring the use of 3D Printing for various applications, including prototyping, tooling, and even production of end-use parts.
For example, Manufacturers can also use 3D Printing to produce functional prototypes of engine components and interior parts, and complex jigs and fixtures for the manufacturing process. 3D Printing can also be used for prototyping and tooling, and producing 3D-printed spare parts. In addition to these biggies, several startups and small-scale manufacturers in India are using 3D Printing to produce customized and niche automotive parts and components, such as aftermarket accessories and even racing components.
EVs – the New Kid on the Block
Like mentioned earlier, the race for better products in the automotive industry is relentless. Electric Vehicles (EV) are thought of as the future of transportation. They are silent, they are relatively uncomplicated, and most importantly they are pollution free. And just like the traditional vehicles, 3D Printing finds use in prototyping of various EV components, such as battery housings, motors, and controllers, customization of dashboards, door panels, and other interior components, that are tailored to individual customer preferences and requirements and for light-weighting of parts like suspension components and structural parts. Another use of 3D Printing is for replacement parts of EVs – especially for older models or niche vehicles where replacement parts may be difficult to find or expensive to produce using traditional manufacturing methods.
3D Printers for the Automobile Sector
Whether traditional manufacturing or EVs, 3D Printing has made inroads into the automobile sector for the advantages it offers. Needless to say, 3D printer companies offer specific printers geared towards the requirements of automobile manufacturers. They need to be sturdy, efficient and accurate. Stratasys is one such 3D printer manufacturer that produces industry standard printers. For example, the Stratasys Fortus 450mc is capable of producing large, complex parts and tooling components, making it well-suited for use in automotive manufacturing. Likewise, the Fortus 380mc Carbon Fiber Edition printer is specifically designed for the production of high-strength, lightweight parts using carbon fiber-infused materials. It can produce parts with superior stiffness-to-weight ratios and is ideal for applications such as structural auto components and tooling. Another noteworthy 3D printer is F770, which offers one of the largest print volumes among Stratasys FDM systems
In Conclusion
3D Printing is being used in the automobile sector to produce lighter, more efficient, and customized parts and components, as well as for prototyping and tooling. While the use of 3D Printing in the Indian automobile sector is still in its early stages, there is significant interest and potential for further adoption and growth. From a single part supplier to industry-leading OEMs, all stakeholders in the car sector can directly benefit from implementing 3D Printing. Stratasys, the market leader in 3D Printing technology, offers a wide range of heavy-duty 3D printers that are suitable for use in the automobile sector, with capabilities ranging from large-scale production to high-strength, lightweight parts production. As the production of automobiles in India keeps growing, 3D Printing and 3D printers are expected to play a significant role in this sector.