Photos: 10 major automakers using 3D printing today

Image 1 of 10

1. Ford

Carmakers are using 3D printing for everything from custom details to creating over 75% of the car. With the technology, the design and production process could be expedited, potentially saving money and bringing cars to market faster. Spare parts, even for older models, could also be more readily available for service centers.
Ford has been developing ways to use 3D printing for car parts for years. In May 2015, the company used computer printed engine parts in an EcoBoost-powered race car, suggesting the pieces could stand up to the demand of racing. In March 2017, Ford announced it was testing creating large-scale parts using 3D printing, a process the company said was increasingly affordable and efficient.
SEE: Tech and the future of transportation (ZDNet special report) | Download the report as a PDF (TechRepublic)

Image: Ford
2. Bugatti

Bugatti announced that it's testing 3D printed brake calipers on its Chiron supercar. Computer printing gives the automaker more wiggle room with the part, as the piece can be created in layers using titanium instead of the standard alumunium.
SEE: Tech and the future of transportation (ZDNet special report) | Download the report as a PDF (TechRepublic)

Image: Bugatti
3. Mini

Car owners can create custom fixtures for their Mini on the company's website. The pieces are then 3D printed in Germany and shipped within a few weeks.
SEE: Tech and the future of transportation (ZDNet special report) | Download the report as a PDF (TechRepublic)

Image: Mini
4. Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz uses 3D printing to create spare metal parts for its trucks and some older models, the company announced in August 2017. The option to use a 3D printer to create a part may decentralize parts of car production, and could make it easier for car shops to have necessary parts in stock regardless of the car's age. Spare parts are also available for Daimler buses.
SEE: Tech and the future of transportation (ZDNet special report) | Download the report as a PDF (TechRepublic)

Image: Mercedes-Benz
5. Honda

Honda partnered with Kabuku to develop an all-electric van, unveiled in October 2016. While the compact van uses a pipe-frame structure, the body panels and luggage area were created using a 3D printer.
SEE: Tech and the future of transportation (ZDNet special report) | Download the report as a PDF (TechRepublic)

Image: Kabuku
6. Kia

Kia's first used 3D printing for its Telluride conceptual SUV design in January 2016. The printed components, used for interior elements like the dashboard, added a "distinct, modern design element" to the vehicle, the press release said. The car received a green light for production, recent reports said.
SEE: Tech and the future of transportation (ZDNet special report) | Download the report as a PDF (TechRepublic)

Image: Kia
7. Toyota

In a collaboration with Clemson University, Toyota created the uBox, a car targeted to Generation Z buyers. Some aspects of the car, including the door trim, can be personalized and created using 3D printing. The brand also uses 3D printing to rapidly create prototypes of new car models, expediting the testing process.
SEE: Tech and the future of transportation (ZDNet special report) | Download the report as a PDF (TechRepublic)

Image: Teena Maddox/TechRepublic
8. BMW

BMW is using 3D printing to create a better top cover for its i8 Roadster. With the new technology, the piece is stronger and weighs less than its predecessor, the company said.
SEE: Tech and the future of transportation (ZDNet special report) | Download the report as a PDF (TechRepublic)

Image: BMW
9. Volkswagen

Instead of using the technology to create prototypes, Volkswagen Autoeuropa uses 3D printing to make manufacturing tools for the assembly line. This can decrease reliance on outside vendors for certain parts and jigs, reducing slowdowns caused by waiting for a piece.
SEE: Tech and the future of transportation (ZDNet special report) | Download the report as a PDF (TechRepublic)

Image: iStockphoto/PJ66431470
10. Local Motors

Local Motors' Strati was the first 3D printed car, with over 75% of the car coming from a computer in 2016. The company is also responsible for Olli, a 3D printed autonomous shuttle.
SEE: Tech and the future of transportation (ZDNet special report) | Download the report as a PDF (TechRepublic)
Also see
- IT leader's guide to the future of autonomous vehicles (Tech Pro Research)
- Nissan's plan for safer autonomous driving? Connect the car to a human brain (TechRepublic)
- Here's how 3D food printers are changing what we eat (TechRepublic)
- 3D printing: The smart person's guide (TechRepublic)
Image: IBM

1. Ford

Carmakers are using 3D printing for everything from custom details to creating over 75% of the car. With the technology, the design and production process could be expedited, potentially saving money and bringing cars to market faster. Spare parts, even for older models, could also be more readily available for service centers.

Ford has been developing ways to use 3D printing for car parts for years. In May 2015, the company used computer printed engine parts in an EcoBoost-powered race car, suggesting the pieces could stand up to the demand of racing. In March 2017, Ford announced it was testing creating large-scale parts using 3D printing, a process the company said was increasingly affordable and efficient.

SEE: Tech and the future of transportation (ZDNet special report) | Download the report as a PDF (TechRepublic)

Image: Ford

By Olivia Krauth

Olivia Krauth is an Education Reporter at Insider Louisville.

1. Ford

2. Bugatti

3. Mini

4. Mercedes-Benz

5. Honda

6. Kia

7. Toyota

8. BMW

9. Volkswagen

10. Local Motors

Also see

1. Ford

By Olivia Krauth

Join Discussion