3D Printing has been around for quite a while now. Almost everything from toys, cellphone cases to consumer products have been 3D printed. Today, even vehicles and car parts are being 3D printed. This move, started by American motor company, Local Motors, may be the real threat that can affect the business of every major carmaker in the world.
3D Printer Technology In The Car Industry
3D printing or some know it as additive manufacturing, is the technology to be able to print out objects in a three-dimensional format. The only limit to this technology is the user's imagination. Although not yet fully accepted, some car manufacturers now use 3D printing as a means to do research and to cut cost. Koenigsegg, the hyper car manufacturer, built and announced the One:1 in 2014. The supercar had side mirrors internals, air ducts, exhaust components and even the turbocharger that have been 3d printed.
Another notable manufacturer is Honda, who revealed a single seat electric car that has most of its panels 3D Printed. However, Honda and Koenigsegg were not the first ones to use 3D printing in cars, which was actually led by Local Motors. The American company started the trend in 2014 when they created the first 3D printed electric car, the Strati. The printing took a total of 44 hours to complete and was built in front of an audience. Only 50 individual parts were printed and used which is very minimal compared to a traditional vehicle that can reach up to thousands of pieces before being put together.
How Will 3D Printing Cars Affect The Industry
Car manufacturers have always been proud of their designs, engineering, and creativity. Most cars have parts so exclusive that you cannot simply order one from your local Wal-Mart in case a replacement is needed. Some replacement parts will also cost the consumer a ton of money by buying from after market parts manufacturers that are outside their local area. Having a 3D Printing Company, or even your own 3D printer, can save the consumer money by avoiding unnecessary shipping costs, and time spent waiting for the order to be available or to arrive can just be used spend designing the car part.
A consumer having the ability to create the parts in their own backyard, or workshop, means that they no longer need to rely on a single manufacturer for it. Did a biker sideswipe your side mirror? No problem, just 3d print it. Of course, not everyone will have the necessary skills to design the needed parts, but there is almost always that acquaintance or friend that know how to do it. Manufacturers will end up with storage facilities that are filled up by parts that will no longer sell.
Is The World Ready?
Aside from Koenigsegg, Local Motors and Honda, other manufacturers have also tried their hand in 3D Printing cars. However, buying 3D printer costs more than a thousand dollars just for the cheap ones and most people will tend to just use that money to buy parts from the car companies. It is a long-term solution that not everyone might be able to afford for now. Fortunately, the world is moving into renewable energy, cost effective sources and environment friendlier solutions to problems, and that might just be the three reasons for 3D printing to pave its way into the car scene.
