Additive manufacturing, more commonly referred to as 3D printing, represents a paradigm shift in automotive design. General Motors is one of many manufacturers that have already invested tens of billions of dollars into the technology. Indeed, 2024 is bringing a number of sweeping changes, not only to the way our vehicles are designed but also to how they’re built and maintained.
Design and Prototyping
Up until recently, 3D printing has been used solely for rapid prototyping. The ability to print any conceivable part on demand has its obvious advantages. It has allowed designers to create individual parts or even entire cars on a miniature scale without requiring specialized machinery. This has greatly accelerated the prototyping stage of design.
The technology is progressing, however, and we are finally beginning to see it deployed within the context of mass production. This has several exciting implications. As a manufacturing process, 3D printing gives designers much flexibility, allowing for more intricate geometries in the components.
In the coming years, we may see a new focus on ornate car design. Alongside these more artistic benefits, 3D printing also brings consumers very practical advantages.
The materials used in additive manufacturing are significantly lighter, leading to better fuel efficiency. For many rural Americans, keeping a supply of spare fuel in the car is a necessity. For millions, checking their health and keeping it topped up are common maintenance practices.
While lighter cars won’t change this, the better fuel economy will significantly reduce the chances of running out of gas between stations. As a result, 3D printing promises a less stressful, more fashionable standard of driving for the future.
Beyond the Factory
For years, 3D printing has primarily been associated with hobbyists. It has been used to print everything from tabletop miniatures to drone components at home.
Thousands of designs are uploaded to the Internet every day by enthusiasts worldwide. As technology advances and becomes more affordable, we may see a shift towards auto hobbyists adopting it to print tools or even car parts.
When you consider the much simpler design of electric cars, an industry already heavily leveraging additive manufacturing, the future looks friendlier for DIY home mechanics. This has the potential to spawn a new breed of futuristic automobile enthusiasts capable of downloading and implementing the designs on demand and from the comfort of their garages.
We are on the verge of a consumer revolution not unlike the Sci-Fi replicators of Star Trek. Similar to the way the Internet of Things has transformed how we interact with our homes and devices, 3D printing may transform how we source products. Truly, the future is looking bright for consumers who will gain greater fuel economy, safety, and more intricate design in the coming years.