News and Insights of 3D Printing and Manufacturing
BCN3D, a Spanish 3D printing solutions manufacturer, has been working with the automaker Nissan to successfully integrate 3D printing into production processes at the automotive giant’s Barcelona factory.
Sakuu Corporation (previously KeraCel Inc.), a specialist in automated multi-process additive manufacturing, obtained three patents related to EV battery 3D printing; a hybrid solid-state cell with a sealed anode structure, an additive manufacturing system with the ability to create an active device such as a micro-reactor or solid-state battery, and an electrophotographic multi-material 3D printer.
Only 5% of the Moon’s surface has been explored by the human race, and to reach the other 95%, NASA astronauts on the Artemis program are going to need some serious wheels. That’s why Lockheed Martin and General Motors have teamed up to design a next-generation lunar rover, capable of transporting astronauts across farther distances on the lunar surface. While the rover doesn’t need to be lightweight to travel around the Moon, it will certainly have to be extremely lightweight in order to be transported from the Earth’s surface (where it will likely be assembled, until there will be AM factories available in space) to the surface of the Moon. For this endeavor, Lockheed Martin and GM—with both companies already quite familiar with using AM—may want to turn to SLM Solutions. The metal AM hardware manufacturer has built up experience with building both lunar rovers and cars.
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.
Local Motors recently began the first-ever project autonomous vehicle project moving packages around Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Miramar using the Olli autonomous electric shuttle.
Today more than 50% of Lamborghini cars coming off the production line feature at least one Ad Personam feature. At Bugatti, not one car that leaves the Atelier is like the next, having the highest degree of individualization. It should come as no surprise that VW brands Lamborghini and Bugatti are the ones that have conducted the most experimentation with 3D printed parts, among the established supercar brands.
Imagine ultra-lightweight components that are as strong as a reinforced concrete column. Now, as Volkswagen reports in its new blog, this is possible, thanks to technology-led by Bugatti engineers. The newly developed 3D printed pushrod – a pressure-loaded coupling rod in the chassis area – weighs just 100 grams and can transmit forces of up to 3.5 tonnes. The hollow titanium structure with an internal supporting arch gives incredible strength and is yet another AM breakthrough among several Bolide 3D printed parts recently introduced by Bugatti.
What was a promising experiment in automotive 3D printing has apparently come to an end. While doing some follow-up research for our upcoming Automotive AM eBook, I clicked onto the MINI Yours Customised home page, eager for an update on the personalization service launched by BMW back in 2018. Sadly, I was greeted by a succinct message, stating that the custom automotive program was no longer.
Ford Spain is the first car manufacturer in Europe to use the Form 3L, a larger format 3D printer from photopolymerization 3D printer OEM Formlabs. Ford Body and Assembly in Valencia uses the Form 3L to produce plastic caps that are used in a vacuum test to check engines for leakages. 3D printing helps Ford to prototype new tools and produce specific parts in less time and for a lower cost than with traditional manufacturing.
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.