Ford
Ford Stratasys large car parts
Ford is the first automotive company to trial the Infinite Build with Stratasys, and is currently exploring potential applications for future production vehicles, like Ford Performance vehicles or for personalised car parts.
Ford Motor Company is exploring the possibility of using 3D technology to build large scale automotive components through a partnership with Stratasys.
While smaller 3D-printed parts, such as engine components, have long been tried and tested in automotive vehicles, Ford are looking to lead the way in introducing larger additively manufactured mechanisms. Utilising Stratasys’ Infinite Build 3D printer, Ford are to consider printing parts like spoilers, which would help to produce more fuel-efficient vehicles.
Capable of printing automotive parts of practically any shape and any length, the Stratasys machine could represent a breakthrough for vehicle manufacturing. Together, Ford and Stratasys hope to achieve a more efficient, affordable way to create tooling, prototype parts and components for low-volume vehicles. The Infinite Build is being housed at the Ford Research and Innovation Center in Dearborn, Michigan.
Ford
Ford Stratasys large car parts 2
Ford Motor Company is testing 3D printing of large scale car parts using the Stratasys Infinite Build 3D printer.
“With Infinite Build technology, we can print large tools, fixtures and components, making us more nimble in design iterations,” said Ellen Lee, Ford technical leader, additive manufacturing research. “We’re excited to have early access to Stratasys’ new technology to help steer development of large-scale printing for automotive applications and requirements.”
A leader in the automotive industry for over a century, Ford played a huge part in the second industrial revolution with the development of the assembly line in 1913. One hundred years on, and the same company is looking to play an admittedly smaller part in the supposed fourth industrial revolution. The automotive giant will take advantage of a technology that some quarters believe will have a big influence in Industry 4.0 – the latest revolutionary shift in manufacturing processes.
Ford
Ford Stratasys large car parts 3
Increasingly affordable and efficient, 3D printing large car parts, like car spoilers, could benefit both Ford and consumers. Parts that are printed can be lighter in weight than their traditionally manufactured counterparts, and may help improve fuel efficiency.
As per Global Industry Analysts, the wider adoption of 3D printing has been driven by a combination of advances in technology, new areas of application and government support. By 2020, the global market for 3D printing is expected to exceed $9 billion, as its adoption in aerospace, automotive, medical, among other industries continues to increase. 3D printing is becoming a preferred solution in the manufacturing of automotive vehicles, such is its capabilities in reducing weight, as well as time to market. It is being projected that a 3D-printed spoiler, for example, may weigh half as much as a cast metal version. Additionally, Ford are considering using 3D printing to make larger tooling and fixtures as well as personalised components.
This partnership with Ford represents Stratasys’ third alignment within the automotive sector in as many months. The first two, both multi-year deals, were within the motor racing sector of the industry: McLaren Racing named Stratasys its official supplier of 3D printing solutions in January, while Team Penske followed suit last month. Perhaps Stratasys’ biggest automotive partner yet, Ford will take on the company’s 3D technology to potentially serve the consumer market.
