Here at 3D Rapid Print, one of the fastest growing 3D Printing companies in the Thames Valley, we like to keep abreast of the latest innovations in 3D printing.
On October 14th 2021, car manufacturer Dr.-Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG (Porsche for short) of Stuttgart, Germany announced that a select group of its drivers had been testing its partly 3D printed bodyform full bucket seat at various events. (The term bucket seat can be defined as “A single, usually low seat with a contoured back, typically used in some automobiles.” Porsche had unveiled what it referred to as “the concept study” for the seat back in March 2020.) Porsche argued that the seat’s main innovation was its central section, in that parts of its cushion and backrest surfaces were 3D printed and available in 3 different rigidity grades, enabling the seat to be customised to the customer’s needs. In addition, Porsche revealed that the seat was now available on various Boxster, Cayman and 911 models.
The seat is based on Porsche’s lightweight full bucket seat and features a base support made of expanded polypropylene, which is bonded to a breathable layer made of a mixture of 3D printed polyurethane-based materials. The seat’s outer skin is made of a material called Race-Tex to support the customer and has a perforated surface to improve ventilation. Customers can currently choose between Black, Guards Red and Racing Yellow colours for these design elements. However, from February 2022, Arctic Grey, Ultramarine and Shark Blue are intended to be added to the colour range. In the medium term, Porsche also plans to release similar style seats adapted to the contours of the customer’s body.
Another example of 3D printed car parts involves 3D Systems of Rock Hill, South Carolina. In late June 2021, it announced that track car manufacturer Rodin Cars of Mount Lyford, New Zealand had chosen 3D Systems’s 3D printing technology to manufacture parts for its Rodin FZero hypercar. Among many other parts for the car, Rodin Cars 3D printed a titanium 8-speed sequential gearbox with a hydraulically controlled differential, which 3D Systems boasted was the first of its kind in the world.
3D printing is an amazing tool. It can grow your small business or start a mini revolution in an industry. Explore what it can do for you when you contact us today.
Disclaimer: Featured image of “1901 auto built by A.B. Cull at the Briner Electric Company’s shop” is a faithful photographic reproduction of a two-dimensional, public domain work of art. The work of art itself is in the public domain in the United States because it was published (or registered with the U.S. Copyright Office) before January 1, 1927.
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