The global automotive industry is constantly striving for components with superior mechanical properties and reduced weight. As a leading sector worldwide, the demand for enhanced automobile parts is surging, particularly with the rapid growth of electric vehicles. Projections indicate that electric cars will constitute over half of all new car sales by 2035, and potentially up to 80% in certain regions. A single car comprises over 20,000 parts, distributed across critical systems like the engine, braking, suspension, transmission, and structural body. Remarkably, a metal 3D printer is now capable of producing components for each of these systems.
Currently, metal 3D printing technology facilitates the creation of a diverse range of automotive parts, including:
Engine Components: Metal 3D printers excel in manufacturing engine parts that endure high temperatures and pressures, such as turbochargers, valves, and connecting rods. Materials commonly employed include titanium alloys, nickel-based alloys, and stainless steel.
Braking Systems: High-performance components for braking systems, like brake calipers and brake discs, can be directly 3D printed using metal additive manufacturing.
Suspension Systems: Utilizing Metal Powder Bed Fusion (MPBF) technologies, metal 3D printers can use aluminum and magnesium alloys to produce suspension system parts, such as fenders and wheel brackets.
Transmission Systems: The precision positioning and laser control of metal 3D printers enable the creation of complex transmission system components, including gears and drive shafts. Common materials include steel and titanium alloy.
Body Structural Parts: Vehicle body structure components, such as body beams and chassis beams, can also be directly manufactured with metal 3D printers using aluminum alloy, steel, and titanium alloy.
Compared to traditional manufacturing methods, 3D printing offers distinct advantages and continues to evolve. It serves as a valuable supplementary manufacturing approach, and it’s encouraging to see numerous manufacturers adopting 3D printing technologies for more efficient production strategies. Eplus3D’s expert team delivers professional additive manufacturing solutions and consulting services for the automotive sector. If you are seeking a more effective production method, please contact us.
