SLA technology application in automotive industry
3D printing technology has revolutionized automotive industry unprecedentedly with advancement in term of Prototyping. Its impeccable strength to deliver prototype faster and more accurate than conventional processes has helped it conquer a dominating place. The 3D printing technology is proving to be a great boon in fulfilling the requirements of the automotive industry as it is facing demands for newer, better-performing vehicles, optimizing production and streamlining supply chains and logistics.
The application of SLA 3D printing in the automotive industry is found in areas such as- design, structural verification, replica prototypes and casting which includes engine design validation, dashboard cover design validation, air conditioning design validation, light design validation, grille design validation, manifold assembly design validation, transmission design validation, quick casting etc. Major firms involved are engine factories and automotive parts manufacturer. With unique characteristics of SLA 3D printing, companies can get the benefit of: high precision, product assembly verification requirements of the industrial end; smooth surface finish, reduction the post-processing and high printing speed.
Below are some unique applications of SLA technology in Automotive industry -
In Reshaping the Prototyping Process
A prototype of a physical part or assembly can be easily fabricated by automotive professionals with the help of 3D printing. This can range from a simple interior element to a dashboard or even in scaling model of an entire car. Rapid prototyping allows the companies to transform ideas into evidence for concept which can further be advanced to high-fidelity prototypes that replicates the end result, and guide products through a series of validation stages toward mass production.
Creating Customized High-Performance Parts
Ideal for producing custom parts at greatly reduced expense, 3D printing empowers manufacturers with vast new capabilities in terms of production. 3D printing car parts has availed quality and creativity of their work by a vital scope to experiment with and perfect custom designs, without worrying for the expense and time-intensive manufacturing processes that is attached with customization.
Resolving the Spare Parts issues
Spare parts have been a challenge for the automotive industry since decades. Anticipating the Demand of spare parts and its components is quite unpredictable, and it also requires great expenditure on storage. Thanks to 3D printing which is making a significant positive impact on the automotive industry’s spare parts problem.
A digital copy of designs for all parts can be maintained with the help of CAD, which makes the need to keep inventory obsolete. With the help of latest technology in 3D printers, a spare part could potentially be customized as per customers choices. Using this technology will enable suppliers to explore new horizons to avail an easy supply of 3D printed components and spare parts.
Easing General Parts Manufacture
With 3D printing processes becoming more affordable in terms of cost of hardware and materials involved, an ease & a progressive transition towards producing regular automotive parts can be predicted.
3D printers can improve efficiency of general parts at the manufacture stage. When consolidated, these parts with help of 3D printing processes, the parts weight could be decreased and fuel efficiency can be improved.