Automotive parts in metal, rubber and plastic
Vintage car spare parts that are no longer available
Table of contents
Introduction to 3D printing and spare parts manufacturing
What to do if there are no more spare parts available?
Which spare parts can be manufactured using 3D printing?
What is needed for manufacturing?
Feature with us in Auto Bild Klassik!
Is 3D printing always worthwhile?
What materials can be 3D printed?
Introduction to 3D printing and spare parts manufacturing
This is a familiar scenario for many: You look under the hood of your beloved car to check if everything is okay. Suddenly you hear a noise and immediately know something's wrong, a part has broken off. Now the search begins. Your car is over 30 years old, so you ask friends or search the internet for the specific spare part that's no longer manufactured.
After a long search, you finally find the part you're looking for, but it's used. It costs €50, and you need four of them. That's expensive, especially since the part is already used and could potentially break again. Many classic and vintage car enthusiasts are familiar with this scenario.
What to do if there are no more spare parts available?
We can produce the missing part using 3D printing . Whether it's for a classic or modern classic car, today's 3D printing technologies allow for the accurate replication of components. It's crucial to choose a qualified service provider with experience in 3D printing. At 3DDRUCKLIFE, we already have experience manufacturing automotive spare parts. Through continuous projects, we expand our knowledge and skills to produce a wide variety of different parts.
Which spare parts can be manufactured using 3D printing?
3D printing is becoming increasingly important in the field of classic car restoration and maintenance. It makes it possible to preserve the functionality and aesthetics of old vehicles by individually producing specific parts.
1. Seals: Seals are important components that can be manufactured using 3D printing to meet sealing needs.
2. Fairing brackets: Custom-made fairing brackets can be manufactured to replace or adapt the original parts.
3. Clips: Clips are often fragile parts that can break over time. This allows for the production of custom-made clips that are easily replaceable.
4. Corrugated hose: A corrugated hose often serves as a flexible connecting element. Additive manufacturing allows for the production of customized corrugated hoses with specific flexibility and fit.
5. Metal bezels: Using metal printing processes in rapid prototyping, metal bezels can be manufactured precisely yet cost-effectively to meet original spare part requirements.
6. Switches: Switches are an integral part of many classic cars. 3D printing allows for the production of switches with specific designs and functions that correspond to the original parts.
7. Gears: Gears are frequently found in the mechanical components of classic cars. Precise 3D printing processes allow for the production of gears that match the original parts in terms of fit and functionality.
8. Cladding: Old cladding can often be damaged. The layer sintering process allows for the production of custom-made cladding that meets both aesthetic and functional requirements.
9. Wear parts: Spare parts that are subject to high wear, such as friction linings or shock absorbers, can be manufactured using additive manufacturing to extend the service life of the classic car.
10. Cuff: Cuffs often serve as protection or seals. The layered sintering process allows for the production of custom-made cuffs that meet the specific requirements of the classic car.
What is needed for manufacturing?
To manufacture a part using 3D printing, you first need a 3D file of the desired component in STEP or STL format. You may already have such a file, which can save costs by eliminating the need for model creation. Alternatively, you may have a 2D drawing or a good sketch that can be converted into a 3D model. This can be done either using a 3D scanner , which often captures designer objects that are difficult to measure precisely, or by manually measuring and transferring the dimensions into a 3D drawing . The last option is to reconstruct the defective or broken part to create a 3D model. This process takes time and incurs model creation costs. Regardless of the chosen model creation method, it is crucial to have high-quality data for 3D printing.
What is the procedure?
The process begins with a detailed discussion of the spare part , in which the specific requirements and properties are defined. It is clarified which functions the part must fulfill and from which material it should be manufactured to meet these requirements.
Once the specifications have been determined, the data set for 3D printing is created or the existing data set is optimized to ensure high print quality.
The next step involves manufacturing a prototype of the part. This prototype is used to ensure that the replacement part fits the vehicle correctly and meets all required conditions.
After the prototype has been successfully tested, the part undergoes extensive long-term testing to verify its stability and durability. During this testing period, the replacement part is evaluated for its performance under real-world conditions.
Once the part has passed all tests and meets the requirements, it will be manufactured in larger quantities using 3D printing to ensure availability for future repairs or replacements.
Feature with us in Auto Bild Klassik!
Read the report in Auto Bild Klassik about our company 3D Druck Life, in which we present innovative solutions for spare parts in the classic car sector.
Is 3D printing always worthwhile?
3D printing is undoubtedly an ideal solution for many components, but it's not always the best option. It can be more advisable to have parts turned , milled , or laser- cut. We also offer these alternative processes, as our partner network provides a wide range of manufacturing capabilities. Should certain parts require other methods, we are also able to manufacture them professionally. Our flexibility allows us to offer the appropriate manufacturing method for every specific automotive component.
What materials can be 3D printed?
From plastics and metals to silicone and rubber, 3D printing offers a wide range of materials that can be used to manufacture prototypes, functional components and customized products.
Plastics:
1. PLA: PLA is a biodegradable plastic that is well-suited for 3D printing. It is easy to print and environmentally friendly. It is used as a prototyping material.
2. ABS: ABS is a robust and impact-resistant material. It is often used for functional parts that need to withstand stress.
3. PETG: PETG is a transparent and stable material that is suitable for both prototype construction and end products.
4. ASA: ASA is a weather-resistant plastic that is well-suited for outdoor use. It is UV-resistant, robust, and has high color stability.
5. Nylon: Nylon is a robust material with high tensile strength and resistance to chemical influences. It is often used for mechanical components.
Metals:
1. Aluminum: Aluminum is lightweight yet robust. It is suitable for applications that require strength and lightness.
2. Stainless steel: Stainless steel is a common metal in 3D printing and offers high strength and durability.
3. Titanium: Titanium is lightweight, corrosion-resistant and can withstand high temperatures, which is why it is widely used in aerospace.
4. Copper: Copper is a conductive metal suitable for electrical applications, such as heat sinks.
5. Inconel: Inconel is an alloy with high heat resistance and strength, used mainly in the aerospace and chemical industries.
Rubber:
1. Silicone: Silicones are soft, flexible, and heat-resistant. They are well-suited for seals and medical applications.
2. TPU: TPU combines the properties of plastics and rubber. It is resistant to abrasion and wear, ideal for shock absorbers and flexible parts.
How big can you 3D print?
The dimensions achievable through large-format 3D printing depend on a variety of factors, including the printing process and materials used. The maximum size of components can reach up to 1000 x 1000 x 2000 mm. Each printing process has its own limitations, defined by machine characteristics and material deformation during the printing process.
It should be noted that larger components may require longer printing times and may also result in higher material costs.
Do you have a case study?
A customer contacted us with a problem: the ignition cable bracket on the engine cover of his classic car, which was no longer available, had broken. This type of damage is typical for aging parts that become susceptible to temperature fluctuations. After receiving the broken part, we created a 3D model and searched for a suitable material for the engine compartment. After several adjustments, we found the ideal material, which is both strong and easy to handle. The new ignition cable bracket was successfully installed and is working perfectly. The customer was so satisfied that he ordered several more of these brackets to use in his vehicle. His satisfaction led him to recommend us to other interested parties, resulting in several exciting automotive projects.
Project Gallery
