Ford’s 3D-printed wheel nuts aim to deter thieves

Ford has turned to 3D printing to develop next generation locking wheel nuts, which it hopes will help cut down vehicle crime.

With car security systems becoming more sophisticated, thieves are targeting car parts instead, including alloy wheels. One method to deter such criminals is to use locking nuts, one on each wheel, which require a special adapter, or key, to loosen – but even these remain vulnerable. 

Engineers at Ford have tried to increase the security level and together with EOS, a supplier for high-end solutions in additive manufacturing, have created locking nuts with contours based on the driver’s voice.

Like an iris scan or a fingerprint, a person’s voice can be used as a unique biometric identification. Software converts a recording of the voice into a physical, printable pattern, which is then turned into a circle and used as the design for the locking nut’s indentation and key.

Ford says instead of voice recordings, the contours of the nuts can also use designs specific to a vehicle, such as with the Mustang logo, or use the driver’s initials. 

Raphael Koch, advanced materials and processes research engineer at Ford, says: “It’s one of the worst experiences for a driver, to find their car up on blocks with all four wheels gone. 

“Some alloy wheels can cost thousands to replace, but these unique rim nuts will stop thieves in their tracks. 

“Making wheels more secure and offering more product personalisation are further proof that 3D printing is a game-changer for car production.”