Auto Industry Welcomes 3D Printing

Ever had a problem with sourcing new parts for your classic car? Well, there may be a solution. Thanks to the ever-advancing technology of 3D printing, it has opened new avenues to acquire custom parts for your pride and joy.
 

What is a Classic Car?
A classic car is generally 25 years or older and in good condition, although the definition can differ. It is typically a car that has historical interest, that is restored rather than scrapped, and there are few and far between. If a particular model is rare to find, it can have a hefty price tag.

There is a broad term “collector cars” which includes classic cars, newer exotic cars, and two other categories. Cars that were manufactured prior to 1980 are known as antique, and pre-World War II are considered vintage. There are organisations such as the Classic Car Club of America (CCCA), who have published a list of cars that can be categorised as “classic”. The CCCA specify that the cars are unmodified and have been produced between 1915 and 1948.

Classic Cars and 3D Printing

With the fast evolution of 3D printing, you can now have custom parts made from a prototype, or have the entire part printed. The precise shape and dimensions of the part are mapped using CAD (Computer-Aided Design), and then the design is uploaded to the 3D printer. You may be surprised to read that plastic is not the only material used in additive manufacturing, but now metal is regularly used. Perfect for car parts!
 

Usually, to have a part exclusively made can leave you with a long wait time, even up to 1 year! However, with additive manufacturing technology, this can be reduced to months, weeks or even hours in some cases. Incredible.
 

Auto companies already embracing the wonders of 3D printing are Bentley Motors, a British luxury car manufacturer. Divergent, a California based high-end sports car company, and parts are being made for McLaren, the British motor racing team.

Top 5 facts about Collector Cars

How much do you know about collector cars? Test your knowledge with the facts below:

1. The Ford Mustang first made its debut in 1964.
2. The car in the 1977 “Smokey and the Bandit” movie was a 1977 Chevrolet Camaro.
3. A total of 309 Dodge Chargers were used in the original “Dukes of Hazzard” television show.
4. A total of only seven Plymouth Hemi Barracuda convertibles were made.
5. Vehicles manufactured between 1896 and 1915 are known as horseless carriages, which by definition are “antique” vehicles.