The Chrysler Technology Center is showing off its latest tech advances at this week’s SAE World Congress in Detroit. One of the innovative ways Fiat Chrysler is using new technology is 3D printing a clear plastic model of its axles and pinion carriers in order to test the oil flow within the powertrain’s parts.
Before 3D printing technology, Fiat Chrysler had to cut a window into the parts and measure the flow of oil using a dynamometer. That process proved difficult because of the fact that oil turns a milky shade while going through the powertrain’s components making it difficult to observe the oil’s movement.
Now, the company can simply print clear plastic parts to observe the oil’s efficiency as it passes through the axle with relative ease. They can also test the durability of their axles, which are, according to Fiat Chrysler transmission and powertrain vice president Jeffrey Lux, “critical to our powertrain strategy.” Lux continued, “For the customer, they offer an economical way to improve total powertrain efficiency. Accordingly, we’ve introduced six new axle families since the foundation for FCA US was established in 2009.”
Chrysler Technology Center (CTC) – located in Auburn, Michigan within the US branch of the London-based, Fiat-controlled Chrysler Company – claims that their headquarters are the only place in the auto industry where “ a vehicle design can go from a napkin sketch to production prototype to advertising campaign – and everything in between – under one roof.” Obviously, with CTC’s collaborative model, 3D design and manufacturing are going to help them produce a lot more napkin sketches in the coming years. Who knows, Fiat Chrysler might even combine 3D printing and robotic technology to create an automated “American-made” Bob Dylan to reappear in their next Superbowl spot. The mind reels with possibilities.
