3D Print for Automotive Prototyping, Tooling, and Production
Automotive manufacturers have led the way in using novel materials and technologies for decades. In 2023, as the demand for sustainability, electric vehicles, and self-driving cars soars, 60 major car brands are embracing 3D printing technology for both prototyping and high-performing functional parts. Specifically, HP Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) 3D printing is helping car and vehicle manufacturers reduce costs in parts production while boosting operational efficiency.
HP 3D Print Advantages for Automotive
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Applications for Prototyping and End-Use Parts
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Better Build Quality
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Accurate Fine Details
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Design Freedom (no supports needed)
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Sustainability (powder is recycled)
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Faster Build Speeds
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Best Cost Position (tooling costs are eliminated)
Additive Manufacturing Applications in the Automotive Sector
- A Spanish automotive parts supplier (Continental Automotive Spain S.A.) used MJF printing to develop a pneumatic gripper that helped them cut down on time when tooling new parts.
- At Jaguar Land Rover, car engineers are using HP Multi Jet Fusion to make brackets and interior trim for production vehicles.
- General Motors’ new 15,000 square foot Additive Industrialization Center counts HP MJF machines among its 3D printing fleet for prototyping, tools, fixtures, and end-use parts.
Case Studies: HP Jet Fusion 3D Printing Automotive Applications
Eagle cut overheads on low-volume parts while maintaining classic Jaguar part quality for collectors.
In the fast-paced world of auto racing, Dundon Motorsports stays ahead by 3D printing parts for Porsche GT racecars with HP Multi Jet Fusion Technology.
By 3D printing customized parts for a racecar steering wheel, Triple Eight is able to accelerate production while decreasing costs.
Porsche is revolutionizing sporty seating with the concept study “3D-printed bodyform full-bucket seat.”
Using 3D scanning methods and reverse engineering, Heli Racing simplified the production of their race car manifold.
With the help of MJF technology, Motor L’Escala produced customized, airtight parts for car engines.
Cadillac, always at the forefront of innovation, uses AM at production scale.
The CLESTIQ will include structural and cosmetic 3D printed parts in both metal and polymeer.
HP 3D printing technology allowed IAM3DHub to reduce the number of parts in grippers by 80% while reducing space for the unit to operate.
The need to produce over 1000 wire harnesses on a fast timeline was met by HP 3D Multi Jet Fusion Printing.
Peugeot is reinventing car accessories thanks to innovative 3D printing technology and a new, flexible polymer.
Cubic Inch designed and 3D printed a perfectly adjusted tool that accelerated and increased the repeatability of a production process.
A pioneering 3D printing laboratory of printable parts numbers over 5000, offering solutions for every phase of the manufacturing process at Ford Almussafes.
MotoSpirit introduced technical improvements to their motorbikes by designing and 3D printing battery stacks for their battery packages.
By manufacturing extrusion blow molding (EBM) devices for automotive air ducts with HP MJF technology, Eurecat increased productivity and reduced costs.
CAF replaced metallic parts in their train systems with Jet Fusion printed parts, enhancing strength and performance.
Extol leverages the manufacturing industry’s familiarity with polypropylene combined with HP MJF technology to decrease time to market through design validation efficiency.
By manufacturing extrusion blow molding (EBM) devices for automotive air ducts with HP MJF technology, Eurecat increased productivity and reduced costs.
White Paper: Polymer Additive Manufacturing in the Electric Vehicle Sector
The digital technology inherent in 3D printing, combined with generative design and other software tools, can help engineers reduce the weight of individual parts while also reducing the overall number of parts, and simplifying assembly of larger components.
HP Multi Jet Fusion 3D Printed Automotive Parts
Side mirror printed with HP JF 4200 3D and HP 3D High Resolution PA12.
Air duct printed with HP JF 5200 3D and HP 3D High Resolution PA12. Advantage: no molds, optimized air flow.
Automotive lighting box printed with HP JF.
Bearing cages and seals printed with HP Jet Fusion 3D 4200.
Air duct 3D printed on HP JF 5200.
Fluid Systems/HVAC: Liquid reservoir bottle printed out of polypropylene on HP Jet Fusion 5200.
Chassis Coil printed with HP Jet Fusion 3D Printing.
White MJF Parts printed on HP JF 5200W.
Steering Wheel printed on HP 5200W. Painted red in post-processing.
Gear stick printed on the HP 5200 out of polypropylene.
HP MJF in Fluid Thermal Management: 3D printed gas liquid separator.
Jet Fusion 3D printed on HP 5200W.
Automotive AM eBook 2022
Paving the road for more efficient production and vehicles with Additive Manufacturing
3dpbm’s downloadable e-Book on Automotive AM includes the following articles:
- How much will the EV revolution drive AM adoption in automotive?
- AM adoption accelerates at Daimler Trucks & Buses
- A conversations with ŠKODA AUTO
- Automotive seating gets an AM revamp
- AM and Automotive: the benefits and opportunities are clear
Video Resources for Discovering HP Jet Fusion 3D Printing Automotive Applications
Tooling Jigs and Fixtures for Automotive Product Development
HP3D Print Applications for the Transportation Industry
Automotive Product Development with HP MJF
Bringing the Best Car to the Track--Faster
Demonstrating the Strength of MJF Printed Parts
Producing Automotive Parts for a Very Tight Deadline
How Additive Manufacturing Accelerates Product Development Cycles for EV
Designing for HP Multi Jet Fusion
3D Printed Parts Add Value in the Automotive Industry
Deloitte University Press Report: 3D Opportunity in the Automotive Industry
This report looks at how Additive Manufacturing (AM) can improve the competitive position of automates and explores the four paths OEMs and suppliers can take to more broadly apply AM. It also explores the drivers supporting the use of AM and associated challenges for large-scale adoption.
HP MJF 3D Print Optimization Opportunities – BMW Rear Motor
- Fluid manifold with integrated hybrid pass-through
- Fluid blade optimization enabled by lower EV temperatures
- Air fan turbine
- Power Management
- Charging – grommets
- Colored Connectors (safety orange)
- Coolant Bottles EV Temp Lower
- Distribution
- Wire Looms / Housing Boxes / Wire Guides
- Hybrid pass-through cable routing
Questions?
With so many options available, the world of Additive Manufacturing for automotive applications can be difficult to navigate. Contact Novastar’s 3D printing experts today for a free consultation. One of our Additive Manufacturing Specialists will be happy to discuss the unique benefits of HP 3D Printers.
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