Subaru Corporation, headquartered in Tokyo, has collaborated with HP’s 3D printing division based in Japan, to develop new parts for its concept car SUBARU LEGACY OUTBACK BOOSTGEAR PACKAGE.
The production was jointly achieved through the 3D printing divisions of SUBARU and DMM.com, DMM.make 3D Print.
Challenges in the development of automotive parts
Challenges in automotive part development range from mold production to logistical hurdles. Usually, part manufacturing requires specific molds, and designs are limited by the mold removal process, making it difficult to develop customized, low-volume, high-mix parts. In addition, problems such as inventory management of factory-made parts, along with the costs and CO2 emissions from transportation persist.
HP’s Multi Jet Fusion technology was adopted to give life to the new design while balancing mass production capabilities. The need for molds was removed and the team used PA 12 (Nylon 12) to meet the desired properties regarding heat, weather resistance, and sufficient strength.
They could also achieve a high material recycling rate of up to 80%. This process enables parts to be created anywhere by transferring 3D data, eliminating the need for inventory of manufactured parts demands and reducing logistical constraints in the future.
These models reveal the flexibility and personalization capacity that 3D printing affords, especially in low-volume production. According to Subaru, this technology gave them the freedom to think of new ideas without the constrictions that conventional manufacturing usually entails.
Author: Nagarjun M
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