3T RPD
3T RPD
An additively manufactured PPAP Warranted part for a production car has been delivered by 3T RPD.
The company believes its latest 3D-printed part is the first ever production car part to receive a Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) Warrant in the UK.
3T RPD’s PPAP-certified 3D-printed component signals a vital step for both the automotive and additive manufacturing industries in equal measure. A PPAP Warrant is the approval that components require before they can be fitted to a production vehicle. 3T RPD’s part has been manufactured for automotive Tier 1 supplier, Titan Motorsport and will be fitted to a new car manufactured by one of the UK’s automotive companies for worldwide export.
“We have been producing parts for the aerospace industry which have received flight approval for some time, it is therefore very pleasing to see that 3T’s production rigour and consistency has been recognised with the first PPAP Warrant for an AM production part,” said Ian Halliday, 3T RPD CEO. Halliday now hopes this Warrant will be the first of many as 3T RPD ramps up and expands it AM production capacity for metal and plastics.
3T RPD
3T RPD car part
A 3T RPD 3D-printed car component from a previous automotive additive manufacturing project
The PPAP production methodology was developed by the US Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG) in 1982. It was launched to ensure that US vehicles could compete, in terms of quality, consistency and reliability with the best in the world. Adopted by automotive manufacturers worldwide, the method has seen automotive parts being made to the most rigorous and consistent standards.
PPAP is considered to be a high barrier for a component manufacturer to overcome. 3T’s production and quality teams have been working towards producing an AM part which meets the PPAP standards for several months. This latest part has finally seen 3T meet its objective.
Established in 1999, 3T RPD has become a leading provider of plastic and metal additive manufacturing services throughout the UK and Europe. In the UK specifically, 3T is the largest plastic AM provider, supplying around 50% of the market. The company expanded its capabilities in May 207, launching the delivery of metal AM parts, when its manufacturing facility was increased. With heavy investment in this area over the last ten years, 3T RPD now supplies 40% of the UK metal AM market.
