Daimler AG has funded the development of the X line 1000R large build volume additive manufacturing (AM) system for use in automotive production. (Source: Fraunhofer Institute)
Elizabeth, I think one of the things that makes it hard to wrap one's head around what this technology does, and can do, is calling it "printing." That label was applied for perfectly good reasons--the use of inkjet technology for laying down the layers--but it's also become confusing to many. OTOH, when I saw the first 3D models being made back in the late 80s, it was like looking at sci-fi ideas come alive. And that sense of wonder remains.
Jack, the main use for 3D technology in auto production began with making one-off parts for high-end racing and/or classic cars. That's where this technology has been proven out for automotive uses. The main issues now are figuring out how to make machines that can participate in the high-speed, high-volume production environment of mainstream car manufacturing. The links at the end of this article will tell you more.
Really, Ann? That's incredible...but I guess I should't be so surprised...there is a lot of investment in this technology these days. We've certainly come a long way form the days of the dot matrix!! (Sadly, I am old enough to remember!)
Just read anuother article someplace else that alluded to the use of 3D printers for autos. In that case, they were using them to make one-off parts for classic cars where you could no longer obtain the original.
Clint, thanks for that feedback about casting. It's especially interesting to learn that the sand absorbs toxic residues and becomes a disposal problem. Ouch!
Cabe, thanks for the input. This is definitely a high-end machine, not a competitor with Formlabs. I doubt the 1000R would be useful or cost-efficient for renting out to multiple users: it's a capital equipment purchase. Generally, owners of, say, semi fab equipment systems don't rent those out, either, even if they could be kept constantly running, and even if they were experienced EMS houses like Flextronics. However, that might be possible after a few more generations of this 3D technology, and after the system itself had been redesigned to accommodate that targeted use.
I am sure this is not priced for the hobbyist market. If one of these 1000R could be set up to print constantly for smaller projects, the individuals out there who need something made, could it be cost effective? Or is it just for printing high markup items, price intangibles.
Once litigation is over, Formlab's 20 micron printer may give this a run for its money, literally.
Charles' observation was the first thing that came to mind when I read this article's headline. However, even in mass production, the casting process is quite involved, requiring multiple steps. While the lost-foam casting has reduced the time considerably, the foam patterns themselves must be manufactured first, and then the sand poured around them to create the casting mold. When all the steps are added up, I wonder what the total time to cast a part is versus using rapid prototyping.
Another side benefit may be an environmental one - the sand used in metal casting usually absorbs toxic residue and must be treated before being disposed of. I do not know what is involved in this step, but do know that here in the North and South Carolina area, a company had to pay upwards of a half a billion dollars to clean up the waste sand that it unknowingly donated for projects around this region.
Chuck, Daimler's original intent was to replace die-casting and sand-casting of big metal components and prototypes. Apparently, the consistency of material properties between parts made with casting methods wasn't high enough. Neither is the part size: Daimler also wants to increase it, while maintaining light weight, by using this printer. That second reason is a pretty classic one in 3D printing of functional production parts.
I'm amazed by this. Automakers have always used high-volume production techniques for a good reason -- the auto industry is all about high volume. That's why engineers have always been willing to put up with the two- or four- or six-week timeframe that's required to build tooling. When the tooling is completed, they can build 400 or 500 parts an hour. Thousands of parts a day. I wonder what kind of parts Daimler plans to build with this technology?
Inspired by the hooks a parasitic worm uses to penetrate its host's intestines, the Karp Lab has invented a flexible adhesive patch covered with microneedles that adheres well to wet, soft tissues, but doesn't cause damage when removed.
Engineers at the University of California, San Diego are designing a robotic arm that takes inspiration from the loose, flexible, yet very strong structure of the armored plates on a seahorse's tail.
Researchers at the Missouri University of Science & Technology have designed a new nanoscale material that can transmit light faster than the 186,000 miles per second it usually takes to travel through air.
It has often been said that as California goes, so goes the nation. This spring, the state's wind power is setting energy generation records and solar energy generation is expected to rise sharply during the second half of 2013.
From Dell / Intel® New Paradigms in Design Work Scott Hamilton, vertical market strategist for Dell Precision workstations, 5/2/2013 3
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A quick look into the merger of two powerhouse 3D printing OEMs and the new leader in rapid prototyping solutions, Stratasys. The industrial revolution is now led by 3D printing and engineers are given the opportunity to fully maximize their design capabilities, reduce their time-to-market and functionally test prototypes cheaper, faster and easier. Bruce Bradshaw, Director of Marketing in North America, will explore the large product offering and variety of materials that will help CAD designers articulate their product design with actual, physical prototypes. This broadcast will dive deep into technical information including application specific stories from real world customers and their experiences with 3D printing. 3D Printing is
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