Manufacturing spare parts using 3D printing - does that still sound like future technology? In the field of special and military vehicles, this revolution is coming ever closer with so-called additive processes.
The production of spare parts is not always easy, especially for older special vehicles and military vehicles. Too often, there is a lack of construction plans or raw materials to be able to manufacture the parts as in the original. Spare parts production using 3D printing is currently an exciting alternative here. A prototype or a fully-fledged spare part is produced using a specially created data set. As part of reverse engineering, for example, precise measuring techniques are applied to an original part and transferred to a CAD model. Even more complex shapes can be transferred and produced in very good quality. Car manufacturers have been using spare parts produced using 3D printing in the maintenance and repair of classic cars for several years now. The possible applications for parts on vehicles range from small screws to entire panels or add-on parts, depending on the requirements of the vehicle.
Spare parts production with 3D printing is extremely versatile
One advantage of manufacturing spare parts using 3D printing is that prototypes can be produced comparatively quickly and tested for their fit, for example. Compared to the injection molding process, for example, the time-consuming production of molds is no longer necessary. In addition, high-quality composite materials, including carbon fiber (carbon or Kevlar) and glass fiber, can be used to manufacture the actual replacement part. This makes the parts both light and strong. In fact, various materials can be used with additive processes, and it is even possible to manufacture parts from stainless steel or other metal alloys.
3D printing could also soon find its way into the production of new special vehicles and military vehicles on a larger scale: Especially in military use, the combination of high durability and performance with less weight is an outstanding combination. One example: the lighter and more resistant the parts, the less fuel is required. It is only for safety-relevant or load-bearing parts that 3D-printed parts cannot yet be used, or can only be used in exceptional cases. There are now even models that can be assembled and used in the field, which brings enormous advantages, especially for smaller, spontaneous requirements.
