News and Insights of 3D Printing and Manufacturing
Conflux Technology, an Australian studio developing some of the most advanced additively manufactured heat exchanger designs, will be producing a new set of 3D printed heat exchangers in partnership with Dallara, Italy.
Remember the LSEV? The largely 3D printed EV from a mysterious company called XEV? We first reported on this project back in 2018, when some overly hyped-up stories announced the car was ready for mass production. Back then we were at least able to confirm the project was real and real it is. It took a bit longer than the original 2019 timeline for launch, but the car is here, it’s real and it’s already zooming around. In fact, the official launch of the YOYO (the new name of the LSEV) took place in May 2021. XEV’s first fully electric city car can be driven from the age of 16 with a B1 licence.
Local Motors, a leader in the design and manufacturing of autonomous vehicles, and door2door, a Berlin-based leader in mobility software, have formed a new strategic partnership. Together they want to use the strengths and experiences of both companies to drive autonomous mobility to the next level.
Callum Automotive installed MakerBot‘s METHOD X 3D printer to produce functional prototypes, tooling, and production parts. Callum’s luxury automotive design business focuses on luxury vehicles and associated lifestyle brands, including the limited edition Aston Martin Callum Vanquish 25 by R-Reforged.
The MINI Electric Pacesetter inspired by JCW is the new safety car of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship racing series and thus connects the brand’s electrified future with the rich racing history of John Cooper Works. The vehicle, which also sports unique, generatively designed, 3D printed seats, was created on the basis of the new MINI Cooper SE in a previously unique collaboration between MINI Design, BMW Motorsport, the FIA and Formula E.
AUDI AG, a leading manufacturer of premium vehicles, is relying entirely on industrial 3D printing at its Metal 3D Printing Centre in Ingolstadt for the production of selected tool segments. Additive manufacturing (AM) with EOS technology is used for 12 segments of four tools for hot forming. Plans call for significantly more segments to be printed this way. Audi uses the tool segments produced using the EOS M 400 system in its press shop to make body panels for models including the Audi A4. The company plans to do the same for future electric vehicles.
The brief for the McLaren Artura was even more challenging than its predecessors: to create a series-production High-Performance Hybrid supercar that excels on every level, with performance, engagement and efficiency sharing equal top-billing. The engineering and design team approached the challenge holistically – no single part of the process was undertaken in isolation – with ambitious targets set in every area: weight; performance; driver engagement; efficiency; agility; refinement; quality and usability. Of course, 3D printing had to play a part. McLaren confirmed the use of 3D printed cores in the engine production process, however, 3dpbm suspects other parts of the chassis and powertrain were directly printed as well.
The following is a preview of an interview conducted by 3dpbm with General Motors. Look out for the full story in our upcoming Automotive AM Focus 2021 eBook.
One of the pioneers of 3D printed cars, Local Motors may have switched to autonomous buses, but this ...
Turkish construction machinery manufacturer HİDROMEK is using LOOP PRO 3D printers to produce end-us ...