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24h / 365days
We offer support for our customers
Mon - Fri 8:00am - 5:00pm (GMT +1)
Cybersteel Inc.
376-293 City Road, Suite 600
San Francisco, CA 94102
Have any questions?
+44 1234 567 890
Drop us a line
info@yourdomain.com
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3D printing is becoming increasingly important for automotive production - as a key technology for the rapid production of customized components. aft automotive brings its extensive series production expertise to bear in this process.
We advise on the right choice of materials, provide support in the development of designs for additive manufacturing, and rely on a new 3D manufacturing technology with high material output. We also safeguard the entire process with comprehensive testing and measurement procedures.
Our customers benefit at all levels: the elimination of injection molding tools reduces costs, complex geometries are no longer a problem, and final components are available immediately after design. These are basic requirements for the serial implementation of individual customer requirements for interior fittings, attachments, and much more.
As a system supplier to the automotive industry, we manufacture complex functional components and piping systems for media routing and media control. This wealth of experience now also shapes our Fused Layer Modelling (FLM). After all, just like in injection moulding, the process involves heating and cooling plastic. Our experts ensure that all 3D processes are perfectly “guided” and precisely controlled.
In addition, we use a modular production system that we can reconfigure very quickly – for example, for printing very large components. At the same time, this solution stands out thanks to a high-performance extruder that ensures high throughput rates and consistent plasticising. All conventional thermoplastic granulates can be used in the process.
Whether for individual interior design or special vehicle components, 3D printing ensures efficient mass customization in automotive engineering. This offers the following advantages:
Small series production is carried out quickly and without the use of expensive tools.
3D printing enables the production of complex geometries—for example, bionic structures for maximum strength with minimum weight.
Design changes can be made in no time at all – from CAD to print.
Spare parts are available on demand, reducing dependence on global supply chains.
3D printing simplifies the integration of additional functions into the component. This shortens subsequent assembly times and reduces the number of components required.
With a holistic perspective
aft automotive has developed a new generation of large 3D printing machines that score highly in terms of material output and process accuracy. For example, our system is several times faster than conventional FLM processes, and we can adapt this modular solution to new tasks very quickly. At the same time, the whole system offers the familiar strengths of 3D printing—above all, the ability to produce even very complex components without expensive tools.
We are highly knowledgeable in the broad field of plastics production and forming, and our customers benefit from this expertise. After all, as with injection molding, the plastic is heated and cooled. However, the printed webs must not cool too quickly, as this leads to unstable adhesion. On the other hand, webs that are too hot can virtually flow into each other. We have parameters such as temperature, printing speed, and retraction under control at all times.
That depends on the size and complexity of the component. We are currently converting our existing systems—at present, we are operating at an annual volume in the low five-digit range, with our technology achieving significant performance improvements every year. At the same time, we are continuously optimizing the cost-effectiveness of the process. Ultimately, however, it is clear that 3D printing is not a solution for standard products.
Our production solution uses robotics to move an extruder precisely along all three spatial axes (X, Y, Z). This allows even complex geometries to be freely realized in space. The entire manufacturing process is efficient and requires only a few steps.
We support our customers in thinking about components in three dimensions right from the start and in exploiting the full potential of design freedom. Together, we create a 3D model in CAD that takes all functional and geometric requirements into account. It is then converted into a printable format (STL).
Our production solution has a modular design and can be adapted flexibly and quickly to different tasks. Depending on the requirements of the component, we use different plant concepts in a targeted manner to achieve optimal results.
The thermoplastic granulate is first pretreated in a dryer. The actual printing process then takes place using a high-precision robot system with a nozzle at the end. This applies the molten material layer by layer, moving completely freely in the space.
The layers fuse together and harden, giving the object a uniform structure. In addition, it is possible to rework surfaces or add additional geometries such as threads at any time. The robot also picks up tools for machining for this purpose.
We always ensure that the 3D material has the desired mechanical, thermal, and chemical properties for the end product.
Our plant technology is very flexible, as the extruder processes ...
We ensure that the 3D material has the desired mechanical, thermal, and chemical properties for the end product. All parameters, from printing speed to processing temperature, are then precisely designed.
We implement testing and measuring procedures to continuously monitor the quality of the printed parts and document the results for traceability purposes. The entire production process is monitored digitally. Downstream steps such as grinding, polishing, or coating ensure the desired surface properties are achieved as required.
We provide support in the design and 3D-compatible implementation of components—for example, through targeted material distribution to reduce weight. In addition, we offer comprehensive advice on tolerances, design freedom, support structures, wall thicknesses, layer lines, and other relevant aspects of 3D printing.
Want to learn more about the possibilities of 3D printing in automotive production?
Get in touch with us—we look forward to talking to you!
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