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The automotive industry has been the recipients of many breakthrough technologies that create a massive impact in meeting the challenges of today’s mobility. A revolutionary technology, additive manufacturing or 3D printing, has been gaining wide acceptance especially since this technology’s cost-saving potential and multiple advantages are now being explored in the production of autonomous vehicles.
There is no doubt that additive manufacturing or 3D printing has brought significant contributions to the global automotive industry as it has become a viable solution to the production of much-needed automotive parts, tooling, and accessories. A report by Allied Market Research indicates bright prospects ahead for automotive 3D printing, with projected annual growth of 19.7% from 2017 to 2023. By 2023, the global automotive 3D printing market’s size is anticipated to balloon to US$2.73 billion, according to the report which also predicts that despite 3D printing technology being in its nascent stage in the automotive sector, the market is expected to rise in the coming years.
One of the factors that augur well for the 3D printing market in automotive manufacturing is the growing number of companies that are bringing 3D into their production set up. These companies now recognize the important role of 3D printing in unlocking new applications in automotive production and in adding substantial value to the supply chains by ensuring stable supply of tools and spare parts. The reduction in lead time and costs is driving the adoption of 3D printing in prototyping that rapid prototyping has become more cost-effective. From the initial stages of automotive production, the application of 3D printing enables the OEM manufacturers to speed up the product design stage and reduce tooling cost in production design; spot the errors or defects in the prototype; perform rapid prototyping; and allows for customized fabrication of tooling.
3D printing solutions for autonomous vehicles
Autonomous vehicles or self-driving cars have high growth potential and a reflection of how the automotive industry is rapidly transforming itself to meet future mobility challenges. The demand for self-driving technology is hinged on government policies, and on consumer preference for safe transportation options and ease of travel. Technologies in the production of autonomous vehicles aid in the development and production of computer vision, GPS, LIDAR, and RADAR, along with advanced control systems, as well as other parts and battery.
3D printing provides autonomous vehicles producers with more options and greater flexibility to produce the needed parts and tools at less material costs. Prior to the advent of 3D printing, large amounts of materials are needed during the auto parts manufacturing process since subtractive techniques were applied to construct the part. With 3D printing, material utilization is done efficiently since less material wastage takes place.
In addition, the growing range of materials that meet today’s quest for weight reduction, sustainable production and stable vehicle performance has made possible the production of vehicle interior and body parts made of 3D printed plastics. A major shift is taking place in replacing traditional materials such as metal, with carbon fiber and other high-performance materials without sacrificing the structure and performance of the vehicle. The proliferation of environment-friendly filaments for 3D printing, such as plant-derived polylactic acid (PLA) materials from renewable sources, is advancing sustainable automotive production. Thus, autonomous vehicle interior and body are increasingly being made of 3D printed plastic.
Conclusion;
Recent developments in additive manufacturing or 3D printing are benefiting the fast-growing autonomous vehicles production. 3D printing solutions available in the market are sending fueling the automotive industry’s goal towards sustainability, cost-saving production and upgrading vehicle performance.
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