Author : Rounak Manghnani

In more recent years, the proliferation of additive manufacturing technologies, advancement in 3D printers, and creativity of designers and engineers have amplified the use of additive manufacturing in myriad automotive sectors. Additive manufacturing, mostly referred to as three-dimensional (3D) printing or Rapid Prototyping, is an emerging area in the automotive industry that could not only burgeon in customization options, but also has the potential to influence the design and manufacture of vehicles, parts, and tools, creating many new opportunities in the industry. Leading automotive manufacturers are already undergoing a paradigm shift by expanding beyond prototyping and test part production with 3D printing, and now experimenting with utilizing the technology for production of tooling and other parts to enhance the overall manufacturing processes for automobiles.

Keywords: Additive Manufacturing, Rapid Prototyping, 3D printing, Nanotechnology, Carbon fiber, Titanium, Urbee

Article published in International Journal of Current Engineering and Technology, Vol.5, No.5 (Oct-2015)