3D-Printing technology (aka additive manufacturing) is now a well-established technology within the automotive industry.

Current use includes, amongst other things, rapid prototyping and the manufacturing of special parts or low-number production runs of some components.

MTA Queensland itself is involved in researching the technology – the MTAiQ Innovation Hub has QUT’s PhD candidate Sarfraz Ali in residence working on his Recycling of Automotive Parts for Additive Manufacturing thesis.

In the U.S., Ford is employing the technology to create a gift for customers purchasing the Mustang Mach-E First Edition model. Those buyers are to receive a wireframe pony sculpture, created through 3D printing.

The sculptures are created in white plastic and then dyed to one of three First Edition colours – Rapid Red Metallic, Grabber Blue Metallic or Carbonised Gray. Included is a baseplate with the vehicle’s VIN.

It’s a nice little extra for the customer, and Ford says that it is allowing additive manufacturing to establish a new-use case within the enterprise.

Source: Motor Trader e-Magazine (May 2021)

13 May 2021