As the automotive industry continues to expand, it is increasingly leaning toward additive manufacturing (AM) for production-grade parts. Unlike traditional manufacturing, additive manufacturing can create these parts in a shorter lead time, while preserving complexities and cost-effectiveness.
3D printing makes it possible to significantly speed up production. Not only does it reduce organizations' dependence on slower traditional manufacturing techniques, it also allows manufacturers to produce end-use parts in their own factories. This reduces shipping needs and stabilizes the supply chain.
STRATASYS material capabilities for additive manufacturingSAF™ technologyuses high-performance PA11 polymer powder creating production-grade parts that have high mechanical durability, precise geometric properties, and strong impact resistance. PA11 is sustainable and eco-friendly as it is derived entirely from bio-based castor oil. PA11 supports high nesting density while maintaining part consistency to achieve production-level performances. These end-use parts are lighter than their traditional manufacturing counterparts, resulting in greater efficiency. Automotive parts created with PA11 lead to greater areas of business growth and opportunities for manufacturers.
FDM® and P3™ AM technologiesThey cover a wide range of polymeric materials, allowing greater freedom to match the material to the application. Thermoplastics can also replace metal in the right circumstances, meaning tools and parts can be lighter and more efficient. Open materials and industry partnerships with materials suppliers allow this diverse ecosystem to continually expand, resulting in new materials that transform the AM application space.
Programmable photopolymerization (P3)is an evolution of DLP printing capabilities that includes several programmable and tightly controlled steps that support photopolymer production applications and has much lower separation forces than traditional DLP. P3 has an expansive and growing materials catalog, including elastomeric, high temperature resistant, FST rated, strong, durable and economical options.
Let's review the technologies we found with StratasysSAF technologyThe H350™ with SAF technology produces consistent automotive parts that are accurate, cost-effective and demonstrate strong mechanical capabilities. This is due to the unidirectional in-line architecture of SAF technology and the equal distribution of thermal energy during the printing process. The H350 supports high manufacturing capacity of up to 12%*, optimizing mass production of end-use parts.
FDM technologyFDM technology offers a versatile and easy-to-use 3D printing platform with multiple printer types and a wide range of thermoplastic materials. FDM printers accommodate small or substantial parts, making them suitable for numerous automotive 3D printing applications, including prototyping, tooling, and production parts. GrabCAD Print™ software simplifies the print-to-part workflow and comprehensive technology protects the security of sensitive data.
P3 TechnologyThe Origin® One printer uses P3 technology and has ushered in a new era of 3D printing: mass production of functional end-use parts. P3 software precisely orchestrates light, temperature, traction forces and pneumatics to optimize prints for the best possible results. Achieve quality injection molded parts and surface finishes with incredible precision, in a diverse and ever-growing range of high-performance materials.
Do you want to know what automotive parts can be achieved with each technology? look at it in thisPDF Stratasys.