Page 16 - 3D Metal Printing Summer 2016
P. 16
Formula 1 teams lead the way in developing creative 3D metal-printing applications to shave weight while improving performance. And at least one innovative manufacturer has developed a space-frame concept using 3D-printed metal nodes. What’s coming next? BY BRAD F. KUVIN, EDITOR
In an Automotive World article pub- lished late last year, the author stresses that “the automotive industry must take a cue from the aerospace and defense industries, which have heavily invested in developing new materials and technol- ogy in 3D printing to meet their evolving requirements....OEMs should proactively look for innovating with the technology.” The article notes that several automo- tive OEMs, Ford and BMW in particular, have evolved from using additive manu- facturing only for prototype development. Now they’re moving into what the author calls “the next stages of 3D printing tech- nology adoption—printing hand tools, fixtures and jigs.” And, Ford 3D-prints prototype engine parts; BMW prints metal
14 | 3D METAL PRINTING • SUMMER 2016
3DMPmag.com
3D
FEATURE
3D Metal Printing
Revving Up the Auto Industry
