You may assume that 3D printing is a technique that only produces plastic parts. However, some rapid prototyping companies are providing 3D printed metal parts. Depending on the application, this can be a game changer relative to CNC machining or other metal fabrication approaches in terms of speed, complexity, and price.

Automotive Designers can Improve Prototypes with 3D Printed Metal Components

Using metal for rapid prototyping in automotive industry gives automakers more freedom when it comes to creativity as well as building a functional model that represents a production-possible part. For example, automotive lamps are made of plastic, metal, and electronic components. Incorporating all of these parts into the prototype design helps to accurately evaluate the lamp for appearance and operation as well as how easy it will be to manufacture. While a plastic component may provide an adequate substitute for evaluating how components will ultimately fit together, producing parts from metal that ultimately will be manufactured from metal is the most accurate way to test your design.

The metal components of an automotive lamp range from fasteners and brackets to heat sinks and even some reflectors. In the prototype phase, designers need to get these parts made quickly and cost-effectively. The development of metal 3D printing can provide improvements relative to traditional machining or other metal fabrication techniques for many parts. The combination of 3D printing and other rapid prototype machining allows the final prototype lamp to meet the designer’s needs.

In particular, small parts that may be difficult to machine because of their size or complexity may be 3D printed from metal easily and quickly. Whether you need a customized heat sink to fit into a tight space, or several fasteners that fit the specific geometry of your part, 3D metal printing may provide the solution. The parts can be made from stainless steel, aluminum, or titanium, and additional metals are being added regularly.

Choose to Work With One of the Top Rapid Prototyping Companies

With Global Tech Ventures’ service for rapid prototyping in the automotive industry, our team can provide customers with creative solutions not available with traditional machining. Whether your need plastic or metal components in your design – or both – our 3D printing capability eliminates design limitations. Even for intricate prototypes, the selective application of 3D printing of metal components can allow completion of a project in a fraction of the time it would take using another fabrication method. Instead of taking your design to just any one of the many rapid prototyping companies, turn to a company with a proven history of achieving high levels of customer satisfaction.