Ford announced it has begun testing 3D printing of large-scale car parts using Stratasys’ Infinite Build 3D printer. Ford is the first automotive company to trial this technology with Stratasys. As part of the partnership, which was announced in August 2016, Ford is exploring potential applications for future production vehicles, including Ford Performance products, as well as personalized car parts.
Stratasys says the Infinite Build 3D printer turns the traditional 3-D printer concept on its head with an “infinite build” approach that prints on a vertical plane for nearly unlimited part size in the build direction. It is designed to address the requirements of aerospace, automotive and other industries that require large, lightweight, thermoplastic parts.
As ExtremeTech explains, the printer uses a “worm” drive filament extruder, which allows it to print composite materials like carbon fiber. Typically, fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printers press a polymer filament through a pair of wheels or gears and out of a heated extruder head, layer by layer. A worm extruder winds the filament through the head, which increases the flow pressure needed tor extruding composite materials.
“With Infinite Build technology, we can print large tools, fixtures and components, making us more nimble in design iterations,” said Ellen Lee, Ford technical leader, additive manufacturing research. “We’re excited to have early access to Stratasys’ new technology to help steer development of large-scale printing for automotive applications and requirements.”
