Aerospace

The best aerospace and automotive 3D printing applications of 2018

Voting is close for 3D printing aerospace or automotive application of the year in our 2018 3D Printing Industry Awards.

Earlier this year, we shortlisted 10 outstanding applications in aerospace and automotive as nominated by you – the most well-informed readership in the industry.

In the interest of keeping the 3D Printing Industry Awards in time with the rapidly evolving additive manufacturing landscape, we’ve opted to include a wildcard option to bring in new challengers to the race.

Within this category, readers have voted for seven additional aerospace and automotive applications. Covering the length and breadth of potential in these fields, applications include: end-use parts for an Italian motorcycle manufacturer, prototyping to restore a retro American hot rod, metal 3D printing taking off in Swedish airplanes, rockets to the moon, (and to Mars), additive redesign for hydraulic tooling, and emission-reducing aircraft components.

Phil Hatherley, General Manager, Materials Solutions – A Siemens Business, accepts the award for the 3D printed superalloy gas turbine blades at the 3D Printing Industry Awards 2017. Photo by Antoine Fargette for 3D Printing Industry.
Phil Hatherley, General Manager, Materials Solutions – A Siemens Business, accepts the award for the 3D printed superalloy gas turbine blades at the 3D Printing Industry Awards 2017. Photo by Antoine Fargette for 3D Printing Industry.

In your opinion, is the best aerospace or automotive application of 2018 in tooling, prototyping, end-use, warehouse reduction, aerospace firsts or the next generation of vehicles?

Below are some of the best aerospace or automotive 3D printing applications of 2018, as voted for by our readers:

Dassault Systèmes and Formlabs – Restoration of a 1972 AMC Javelin hot rod at Ringbrothers applying SOLIDWORKS and SLA 3D printed prototypes.

WASProject – 3D printed fairing for the Italian Volt LACAMA motorcycle project using the Delta WASP 3MT Industrial 3D printer.

The Italian Volt customizable LACAMA motorcycle. Photo via Italian Volt
The Italian Volt customizable LACAMA motorcycle. Photo via Italian Volt

GKN Aerospace – A celebration of one year in collaboration with Saab developing metal 3D printed components for aboard aircraft.

Rocket Lab – The Electron’s 3D printed Rutherford engine.

Hot fire testing of Rocket's Lab Rutherford engine. Photo via Rocket Lab
Hot fire testing of Rocket’s Lab Rutherford engine. Photo via Rocket Lab

SpaceX – 3D printed rocket nozzles and turbo pumps.

Markforged – Hydraulic tooling redesign for Stanley Black & Decker.

Autodesk – Pier 9 research scientist Andreas Bastian’s ultra lightweight 3D printed airplane seat.

Andreas Bastian shows just how light his generative design seat frame is. Photo via Autodesk.
Andreas Bastian shows just how light his generative design seat frame is. Photo via Autodesk.

Do you agree? Let us know and vote for any of these, or another, aerospace or automotive application by writing the name in the box marked ‘other’ on the form.

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