3D printer creates 2017 Ford GT. Hailed as the marvel of the future, 3D printing has mostly been used for generating prototype units. Despite the slow start, the machines are starting to make their way into more production environments. A recent survey showed that almost 30% of companies said they were experimenting with the technology. An additional 25% said they were using 3D printer technology for prototyping only, and 10% said they were using it for prototyping and production. Global 3D printer markets are expected to grow from $2.5 billion in 2013 to $16.2 billion in 2018, representing an annual growth rate of 45.7%.
Two of the leaders in using 3D printing are the aerospace and automotive industries. General Electric used 3D printing to fabricate complex metallic parts for their next-generation GE9X and Leap aircraft engines. Car manufacturers are also big supporters of 3D printing technology. The automotive industry spends lots of time and money on developing multiple prototypes. Refining their designs until they get every last detail just right is a key to their success. 3D technology has become an integral part of the production process at Ford. Recently revealing the 2017 Ford GT, it was created using a series of prototypes to perfect the cars interior design. Perfections include the cars F1 style steering wheel and integrated paddle shift transmission controls. A race car version of the new Ford GT is scheduled to compete in next years FIA World Endurance Championship.
Image from http://3d.ford.com.
3D printer creates Airbus flying plane
Commercial airplane manufacturer Airbus saves millions of dollars a year using 3D printer technology. Savings come from a reduction in the gross weight of parts produced by the technology. Reduced weight also translates into a reduction in fuel costs for its aircraft operators. Airbus is planning to expand the use of its 3D printing technology to reduce their aircrafts weight even more. Airbus has plans to one day build an airplane completely fabricated with 3D technology.
Airbus showed off its advanced 3D printer technology earlier this month at the Berlin Air Show. It Flew its THOR 13 foot long model airplane, which had been completely fabricated with 3D printed parts. THOR, short for “Test High-tech Object Reality”, is a small concept aircraft model weighing in at just 50 pounds. It took just four weeks to print and build the plane, which follows the shape of a current commercial airliner. If the dreams at Airbus come true, this plane may eventually become the first in a line of future generation airliners.
You can view a YouTube video of Airbus 3D printing technology below: