SLM-3D printing automotive industry applications

Metal sintering (SLM) is a 3D printing technology that uses metal powder to directly print metal parts. When printing, the scraper spreads a layer of metal powder on the base plate of the forming cylinder, and the laser beam will selectively melt the powder according to the cross-sectional profile of each layer of the part to process the current layer. After one layer of sintering is completed, the lifting system lowers the height of one cross-section layer. The powder spreading roller spreads another layer of metal powder on the formed cross-section layer and sinters the next layer. This is done layer by layer until the entire part is sintered. The entire molding process is carried out in a processing chamber that is evacuated or filled with protective gas to prevent the metal from reacting with other gases at high temperatures.

1. Complete vehicle styling: Traditional vehicle styling design steps: draw the overall body graphics – clay model – rough and fine scraping and other rounds of adjustments – data measurement and correction. The production cycle is long and the cost is high. Through 3D printing, the entire vehicle shape is turned into an accurate car model, and then the car model is adjusted and optimized to quickly and accurately determine the car shape.
2. Car interior and exterior decoration: Car interior and exterior decoration directly affect aesthetics and sensory comfort. Front and rear bumpers, grilles, lights, instrument panels, central controls, door interiors, etc. are being updated almost every year. 3D printing of interior and exterior decorations helps evaluate the car design and development stage and accelerates product launch time.
3. Parts manufacturing: There are many automobile parts, and the manufacturing cycle of each part will affect the vehicle development cycle. By using 3D-printed auto parts, minor deviations in part design can be adjusted promptly, and the feasibility of parts can be quickly reviewed.
4. Lightweight manufacturing: Lightweight automobile parts are in line with the general direction of energy conservation and emission reduction. 3D printing is an effective way to achieve lightweight manufacturing. For example, bumpers, seats, wheels, etc. can be printed to obtain lightweight 3D-printed frame structures, which can not only meet quality requirements but also obtain lighter parts.
5. Car modification: The younger generation has a strong demand for personalized car modification. Traditional technology to produce personalized modification products is expensive and takes a long time. 3D printing technology is born for small batch production, making car modification more efficient and free.