3D Printed Parts Manufacturer
Due to the advancement in technologies, 3D printing for manufacturing has become increasingly popular in a range of industries, including the auto industry. Due to the cost and time saving benefits, along with other benefits, manufacturing companies are embracing the trend of 3D printing, which is expected to continue. In the automotive and recreational vehicle industry, the benefits of 3D printing technology are expected to be far-reaching. The application of 3D printing in the automotive industry refers to a manufacturing process where designers can quickly fabricate a three-dimensional prototype of a physical part, or assembly, from a simple element, or even a scale model of an entire car, using a printing machine.
Among the many 3D printing for automotive applications is the creation of 3D printed motorcycle parts. Making motorcycle parts with 3D printing refers to a technique, which involves building three-dimensional objects layer-by-layer from a computer-generated design. Businesses can now create motorcycle parts with less time, effort and money, significantly increasing ROI.
Benefits of 3D Printing
Thanks to 3D printing’s additive manufacturing processes, companies can leverage the on-demand production and a more agile manufacturing model to produce high volume products, more cost-effectively. 3D printing can achieve improved design and unique aesthetic with a more detailed customization. Certain industries are taking advantage of 3D printing more than others, such as medical devices, as products often require several customizations to fit a patient uniquely.
The benefits of 3D printing provides businesses with the ability to launch new products more frequently, and with less out of pocket expense. 3D printing offers the creation of more complex, unique designs and options for personalization to meet market demand.
- Risk Reduction – 3D printing reduces the risk of errors by allowing a design to be tested and confirmed prior to final production.
- Cost Reduction – Advancements in 3D printing technology results in decreased costs of equipment and materials used in production, providing businesses options to produce customized products. Due to cost reduction, it is now more feasible to apply 3D printing in general manufacturing use.
- Reduced Production Time – A distinguishing benefit of 3D printing is the ability to produce prototypes from scratch in a short amount of time. Reduced production time allows testing of custom parts, to make modifications prior to production runs, cutting down the time to market significantly.
- Strong & Durable Products – 3D printing offers a manufacturing method of fabricating stronger, more durable products based upon the materials used in the process. The strength and durability of a 3D-printed accessory or part, depends on the material used in the process.
- Opportunities to Advance – Businesses that apply 3D printing manufacturing methods potentially take concept to end-use product in a short amount of time with more opportunities for trail-and-error and experimentation and testing due to faster production times.
- Ease of Replication – 3D printing has is a preferred method of production in the manufacturing industry due to the application and replicating of products easier and faster.
- Waste Reduction – 3D printing vs. traditional manufacturing results in potential reduction of waste. Traditional manufacturing produces more waste due to less precision and efficiency in production.
- Reduced Storage Space Requirements – Traditional industries require the storing of products and parts to either use or sell.
The Motorcycle 3D Printing Process Explained
- Step One: The first step of the 3D printing motorcycle process includes creating a 3D model of the specific motorcycle part being created.
- Step Two: The second step involves a slicing process which involves converting the 3D-printed model into machine sequences.
- Step Three: The third step involves selecting the specific material to be used in making the 3d printed motorcycle part, keeping in mind that 3D printing produce prototypes using relatively inexpensive materials. Consequently, the initial prototypes can be created cost effectively to ensure a good fit with your motorcycle. Then, if the 3D printed motorcycle parts do not fit the bike, you make adjustments to your 3D model. In many cases, you can use different materials for different motorcycle parts. Additionally, 3D printing motorcycle parts also supports surface finishing. Machinists can trim the parts to remove any stray structures attached during printing. Other techniques can also be used to smooth the part surface. As a result, the surface is suitable for paint application and retention.
- Step Four: The 3D printed motorcycle is now ready for coupling.
- Step Five: During the final stage, the 3D printed motorcycle is ready for testing.
Developing a 3D Printed Motorcycle
A critical application behind the adoption of 3D printing, (also referred to as additive manufacturing), in the motorcycle industry is the use of electric powertrains. Electric motors generate relatively lower temperatures. There is also a higher impact in terms of weight reduction. Thus, 3D printable polymers are becoming more viable for motorcycle parts. With 3D printing,
Creating unique, custom motorcycle components, like shift levers and linkages, is feasible. It also allows motorcycle accessory manufacturers to use a greater variety of possibilities to expand upon their design creativity. Also, reduction of cycle times and manufacturing costs with 3D-printed motorcycle parts is possible.
Several companies now use different types of 3D printing techniques in making motorcycle parts and making motorcycles from scratch. Moreover, 3D printing is the way to go, enabling the high customization levels that come with motorcycle development.
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