How 3D printing improves prototyping in automotive and aerospace industries
In automotive and aerospace prototyping, large companies and startups alike face three major challenges
- Parts of prototype automobiles, airplanes, or spacecraft are one-offs which are expensive and difficult to make
- Outsourcing the fabrication of prototypes poses a risk to intellectual property protection
- Multiple prototypes are made before the final design is agreed upon by all stakeholders
In-houseprototyping
Modern desktop 3D printers are easy to use, so the fabrication of prototypes can be performed in-house with no third-parties involved.
On-the-fly adjustments
The design of each particular part can be quickly adjusted when necessary without causing significant delays to the project.
No tooling costs
A 3D printer can print parts of almost all imaginable shapes, so there are no tooling costs each time a new design goes into fabrication.
Wide range of materials
Modern 3D printers can work with a wide variety of filaments designed to imitate materials like wood, glass, or carbon fiber.