The Dearborn-based automaker reports in a news release that the new 3D printer system will call its Research and Innovation Center in Metro Detroit home. One the reasons Ford is ramping up its 3D printing experiments is due to the fact that it can produce lighter parts, which in turn could enhance fuel efficiency.Watch video
Ford Motor Co. is experimenting with the Stratasys Infinite Build 3D printer to see how the technology could play a role in the future production of its cars.
The Dearborn-based automaker reports in a news release that the new 3D printer system will call its Research and Innovation Center in Metro Detroit home. One the reasons Ford is ramping up its 3D printing experiments is due to the fact that it can produce lighter parts, which in turn could enhance fuel efficiency.
Ford uses the example of a 3D printed spoiler, which could come in at half the weight of a traditional version.
"With Infinite Build technology, we can print large tools, fixtures and components, making us more nimble in design iterations," Ellen Lee, Ford technical leader of additive manufacturing research, said in the release. "We're excited to have early access to Stratasys' new technology to help steer development of large-scale printing for automotive applications and requirements."
While the automaker doesn't believe 3D printing is fast enough for high-volume output, it does see opportunity in designing parts to "function more efficiently."
In describing how the process works, Ford says that it loads designs into the machine for analyzation before printing one layer of plastic material at a time before "gradually stacking layers into a finished 3D object."
The Stratasys Infinite Build 3D printer is said to be able to produce any automotive part of nearly any shape or size. Ford reports it as a potential manufacturing breakthrough as it could create a "more efficient, affordable" way to create prototype parts, automotive components for low-volume vehicles, personal parts and even Ford Performance products.
Digital Trends reports that Ford has already played around with 3D-printed parts, as the 2015 Rolex 24 winning Ford GT car featured a 3D-printed intake manifold.