Additive manufacturing is transforming the interior design of automobiles, allowing manufacturers to offer unprecedented levels of customization and efficiency. Below are some recent applications:
Custom Porsche Seats
Since February 2022, Porsche has been offering tailor-made full bucket seats for various models, including the Boxster, Cayman, and 911. These seats feature cushion and backrest surfaces produced using 3D printing, enabling individual customization and an 8% reduction in weight compared to traditional seats. They are also available in three firmness levels to suit customer preferences.
Ford and 3D Printing Personalization
With its Ford Integrated Tether System (FITS), Ford has introduced dedicated slots in models like the Ford Maverick to support the installation of 3D-printed accessories. Users can download design files provided by the brand and create custom components, enabling a unique and adaptable in-vehicle experience.
British company LUNAZ, known for electrifying classic vehicles, has integrated 3D printing into its electric Range Rover Safari. This technology has played a key role in modernizing the dashboard and central console, enhancing the functionality and aesthetics of the interior while preserving the original model’s essence.
3D Printed Components in the Aether Concept Car
The Aether Concept Car has leveraged parametric design and 3D technologies, using HP’s Multi Jet Fusion process to create both aesthetic and functional components such as speaker grilles, headrests, and cushions. These parts were designed with Rhino 3D’s Grasshopper tool and 3D printed using BASF’s TPU 88A, a flexible material that provides comfort and innovative design to the vehicle’s interior.
These applications demonstrate how 3D printing is revolutionizing vehicle interior design, delivering customized, lightweight, and aesthetically advanced solutions that enhance the user experience and optimize manufacturing processes.
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