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Industries

3D Printing in Automotive Industry

We manufacture all types of 3D printed automotive parts to the industry’s high standards, from custom prototypes to end-use automotive parts. 3D printing helps the automotive industry create lightweight and durable car parts and solves the issue of expensive tooling and time-consuming production development cycles. For hobbyists, 3D printing can make legacy parts for vintage cars.

Powertrain and interior teams use AIHFABS for ducts, manifolds, and fixtures that change every mule. SLM covers metal. SLS and MJF cover nylon interiors. CNC is there when the drawing should have started as a billet.

  • Prototyping
  • Tooling and Fixtures
  • Legacy Parts
  • Engine Parts
  • Battery Enclosures
  • Air Intakes and Filters
  • Interior Panels
  • Suspension Components
3D Printing in Automotive Industry

What automotive teams send us

The typical file is a duct, an intake study, a bracket that moved after the last crash loop, or a cabin bezel that marketing wants in color. We print the geometry, then finish for fit, heat, or show.

End-of-line fixtures and assembly jigs sit on the same platform. They do not need to look like show cars — they need to repeat.

Typical automotive parts

Air, heat, and fitment. Pretty bezels when the interior is the point.

Intakes and ducts

Internal flow paths that are painful as a weldment. SLM metal or SLS nylon by temperature.

Brackets and mounts

Topology-optimized metal or glass-filled nylon, machined on the faces that mate.

Cabin bezels

MJF or SLA for color and grain studies before a tool is cut.

Line fixtures

Poka-yoke nests and handling tools that change with the SKU.

From prototype development to production support

Plan each stage around the part’s function, material and inspection requirements—from the first design review to a repeatable batch.

  1. Upload CAD and the duty

    Upload CAD and the duty

    Under-hood heat, cabin show, or shop fixture. That splits metal, nylon, and resin.

  2. Compare processes

    Compare processes

    SLM, SLS, MJF, SLA, and CNC on the same file when more than one is viable.

  3. Finish for fit or show

    Finish for fit or show

    Bead blast and machine metal. Dye or vapor-smooth nylon. Prime resin.

  4. Repeat the lot

    Repeat the lot

    Lock the quote and reprint when the mule becomes a small series.

Manufacturing capabilities and material options

Match the process, material and finish to the part’s geometry and operating conditions. Share your requirements so the quotation can include the necessary secondary operations.

3D Plus™ Hardware Solution

Our 3D Plus™ hardware solution offers comprehensive and accessible post-processing services. We offer more than 20 post-processing options for as-printed parts. For post-processing of 3D printed aerospace parts, we have anodizing, polishing, electroplating, bead blasting, spray painting, dyeing, vapor smoothing, and more!

Discover 3D Plus™ Hardware Solution

3D Plus™ Software Solution

Our dedicated 3D Plus™ software solution is designed to streamline the 3D printing and post-processing ordering process. It simplifies your workflow by allowing you to select materials, choose post-processing options, receive instant price calculations, and collaborate with your team, all in one user-friendly platform.

Discover 3D Plus™ Software Solution

Materials that show up on automotive quotes

Aluminum and PA12 cover most mules. Glass-filled nylon when the bracket has to stay polymer.

SLM metals

Aluminum and stainless for under-hood geometry.

CNC metals

Machined aluminum when AM is a slower path.

Design, material and inspection considerations

Fit-check prototypes and packaging studies

Use printed housings, ducts and console models to check installation space, fastener access and cable routing before tooling. Mark the mating interfaces and distinguish visual models from prototypes intended for heat or vibration testing.

Functional brackets and fluid components

CNC or metal printing may suit mounts, adapters and manifolds depending on geometry and quantity. Supply service temperature, loads, fluid compatibility and sealing requirements so the material and secondary machining can be reviewed together.

Fixtures and repeat-batch consistency

Assembly and inspection fixtures need a defined datum structure, clamping access and replaceable wear points. Record the vehicle or assembly revision, required checks and sample acceptance before repeating the batch.

Automotive FAQ

Can printed nylon sit under the hood?

Only if the temperature and chemicals allow it. Tell us the duty. High-temp resin or SLM metal is the usual step up.

Do you vapor-smooth interior parts?

Yes, on SLS and MJF nylon when you want a smoother face before dye or paint.

Can you reprint the same quote later?

Lock the process and finish on the first order. A repeat lot uses the same settings.

Calculate 3D Printing Costs for Automotive Parts

Calculate 3D Printing Costs for Automotive Parts

Upload the CAD and say whether it is heat, show, or fixture work. We will price metal, nylon, and CNC together.

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