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Case-study: Construction of an intake manifold with 3d printing and Windform materials for the automotive industry:

http://www.racecar-engineering.com/articles/features/3d-printing-at-the-cutting-edge-of-racing/

3D printing is going to revolutionise the aftermarket and spare parts industry.

Imagine wanting to buy a newly designed manifold for your car. You could go to a 3D printing company, pay for the manifold (of which a percentage goes to the originator of the design) and take it from them. This will save a fortune in stocking and shipping fees which SHOULD translate to a cheaper cost to you.

The cost of a machine that can make anything (a 3D printer) is always going to be more than the cost of a machine designed to make 1~ things (the factory currently making the part). All you save on is shipping - which often is not a substantial cost.

I think 3D printing might help if you're into car restoration and the part just isn't around anymore. But I don't think 3D printing is going to get you a set of Enkei wheels on the cheap.

i went to SEMA lat year and was amazed at some of the stuff being produced. I want one bad

OurCognitiveSurplus wrote:The cost of a machine that can make anything (a 3D printer) is always going to be more than the cost of a machine designed to make 1~ things (the factory currently making the part). All you save on is shipping - which often is not a substantial cost.

I think 3D printing might help if you're into car restoration and the part just isn't around anymore. But I don't think 3D printing is going to get you a set of Enkei wheels on the cheap.

Agreed.

It's amazing for rapid prototyping and saving the costs inherent with that, but for mass production it falls short.


I can see it being useful in industries that have products changing often though, such as phones and computers.

OurCognitiveSurplus wrote:The cost of a machine that can make anything (a 3D printer) is always going to be more than the cost of a machine designed to make 1~ things (the factory currently making the part). All you save on is shipping - which often is not a substantial cost.
:

Yes but a machine that can make multiple products is more likely to be utilised to maximum capacity than one which produces a specific product - when the demand for that one product ceases, it's not going to be used much.

Build enough of these machines that can make anything and the cost goes down drastically.

Probably sls'ing a intake for the fsae car this year. Heaps of teams have done it in the past... quite a few end up in a million pieces.

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Lokiel wrote:Yes but a machine that can make multiple products is more likely to be utilised to maximum capacity than one which produces a specific product - when the demand for that one product ceases, it's not going to be used much.

Build enough of these machines that can make anything and the cost goes down drastically.

That's true. But the factories in Japan and China (and elsewhere) have very high utilisation rates. So, as I said, if we're talking about very rare parts or custom/unique parts, then I agree. If we're talking about something that can be/is currently churned out from a factory, I disagree.

Except for the whole profit thingo.

Dann

http://www.news.com.au/technology/design/uk-tornado-fighter-jets-successfully-fly-using-3d-printed-parts/story-fnjwubd2-1226796452653

its already being utilised, but I don't think they are using for any critical or structural parts yet.

3D printing, why look outside this forum?

viewtopic.php?f=53&t=58121

J.

What a brilliant concept, save us going on the prowl on Saturday nights

Strength of materials are still fairly limited at the moment with classical 3d printing. Metal Sintering is better but I believe material options are a bit limiting for the process.


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