VW edges closer to 3D-printed cars

Volkswagen is pushing to have 3D-printed parts in cars within the next couple of years, after teaming up with HP.

The firms claim that HP Metal Jet technology, which is metal 3D printing developed in conjunction with GKN Powder Metallurgy, will be a “game changer” for the automotive industry.

HP showcased the technology when it printed 10,000 tiny metal 1:87 scale replicas of the Volkswagen ID.3 electric car for marketing purposes, but ultimately the advances will be used for commercial-scale production of car parts.

The goal is to produce 50,000 to 100,000 parts through 3D printing a year, according to HP. Initially, those parts will include items such as gearshift knobs and mirror mounts, but HP claims it will eventually be able to produce “fully safety-certified metal parts”. By 2021 the companies hope structural parts of Volkswagen vehicles will be 3D-printed.

Dr Martin Goede, head of technology planning and development at Volkswagen, says: “Our vision to industrialise additive manufacturing [3D printing] is quickly becoming a reality with HP Metal Jet, it is a game changer for the automotive industry. 

“The pace of innovation by HP and advanced capabilities of the technology have exceeded our expectations. We are meeting our milestones and are actively identifying and developing functional parts for production.”