Ford is Testing a Large-Scale 3D Printing System for Parts
Laura McQuarrie — March 7, 2017 — Autos
References: 3ders.org
The Stratasys Infinite Build System is a large-scale 3D printing technology that was developed with Stratasys, Ford and aerospace company Boeing Co. that is now being used to prototype personalized tools and car parts.
Ford is the first auto manufacturing company to pilot the additive manufacturing system. Currently, the Stratasys Infinite Build System is being tested at the Ford Research and Innovation Center in Dearborn, Michigan. It is anticipated that this system will product lightweight, large-scale and cost-efficient prototypes.
As it stands, the system is only being used to produce test parts for low-volume vehicles, because the system is not yet able to mass produce in high volumes. However, the introduction of this technology means that consumers could soon have the ability to customize a vehicle's parts to their specifications in the future.
Ford is the first auto manufacturing company to pilot the additive manufacturing system. Currently, the Stratasys Infinite Build System is being tested at the Ford Research and Innovation Center in Dearborn, Michigan. It is anticipated that this system will product lightweight, large-scale and cost-efficient prototypes.
As it stands, the system is only being used to produce test parts for low-volume vehicles, because the system is not yet able to mass produce in high volumes. However, the introduction of this technology means that consumers could soon have the ability to customize a vehicle's parts to their specifications in the future.
Trend Themes
1. Large-scale 3D Printing - The development and testing of large-scale 3D printing systems for automotive parts presents opportunities for disruptive innovation in the manufacturing industry.
2. Prototyping - The use of 3D printing technology for prototyping personalized tools and car parts can lead to disruptive innovation in the automotive industry.
3. Customization - The potential for consumers to customize vehicle parts using 3D printing technology opens up disruptive innovation opportunities in the automotive market.
Industry Implications
1. Automotive Manufacturing - The testing of large-scale 3D printing systems by Ford indicates a potential disruptive innovation opportunity in the automotive manufacturing industry.
2. Aerospace Manufacturing - The collaboration between Stratasys, Ford, and Boeing highlights the potential for disruptive innovation in the aerospace manufacturing industry through large-scale 3D printing technology.
3. Additive Manufacturing - The use of the Stratasys Infinite Build System for prototyping personalized tools and large-scale car parts showcases a disruptive innovation opportunity within the additive manufacturing industry.
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