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sales@laserproto.com 
Overview
For more than three decades, automotive companies have been using 3D Printing in their quest to create faster, safer, and lighter vehicles, all the while saving time and money in the process.
The ability to manufacture layer-by-layer, without the need for tooling, opened the door for affordable and rapid prototyping of increasingly advanced designs, cutting out unnecessary production costs and material waste.
The current drive toward electric power has been hastened by RP technologies. With firms able to innovate, create and launch faster than ever before, 3D Printing is helping cut the journey time to a greener and more sustainable future.
At LPE, we provide the in-house machinery and hands-on consultation to help you realise the full benefits of 3D Printing, exploring new and varied applications in both prototyping and production. Our expert team of modelmakers and engineers work with the latest technologies and processes to help you take your concept from the planning stage to the open road.
Why use 3D Printing in the automotive industry?
- Complexity made simple – Produce intricate prototypes without the hassle of tooling or the requirement for multi-part assembly.
- Quicker design and development – The ability to make quick iterations means parts can be tested, tweaked, and perfected for rapid launch times.
- Cost-cutting – Save money on mouldings, labour and material waste.
- Reduces lead time and time to market – Fast prototyping leads to earlier tooling and parts delivered to market ahead of competition. Direct part production gets product to market within days!
- Customisation – With cost efficiency no longer linked to units produced, customising parts on request has become a feasible, profitable service, not to mention the ability to produce on-the-fly tools for small and medium batch production.
Why choose LPE for your automotive requirements?
- Over thirty years of experience in automotive prototyping and production
- ISO9001 certified – we are committed to quality assurance
- Wide range of materials in plastics, metals and rubbers with ability to deliver functional parts
- Cutting edge engineering solutions
- COCs, first article inspection reports, in house testing and full material traceability available on request
- Flexible project leadtimes allow customers to accelerate campaign success
- Next-day delivery across the UK & Ireland
- Highly experienced team of engineers and modelmakers to help you unlock the full potential of 3D Printing
- Will provide NDAs guaranteeing protection of intellectual property
LPE Recommended Materials & Processes for Automotive Prototypes
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Stereolithography (SLA) - PerFORM
Applications include: Wind tunnel test models, high temperature testing
Somos® PerFORM is the material of choice for applications that require strong, stiff, high temperature resistant composite parts. With its excellent high heat tolerance, outstanding detail resolution and stiffness, Somos® PerFORM is the ideal material for a variety of applications including tooling, wind tunnel testing, high temperature testing, casings and automotive housings.
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Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) - Nylon (PA 2200)
Applications include: Under bonnet testing, low volume production parts
Laser sintered parts made from PA 2200 have excellent material properties with high strength and rigidity, good chemical resistance and finishing possibilities. It is a tough, functional material with high temperature resistance, designed for strong end user parts. Due to its excellent mechanical properties, users can substitute injection moulding for simplified, high-spec 3D printing. Able to withstand temperatures over 150 deg C, parts are ideal for under bonnet test conditions.
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Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) – Aluminium AlSi10Mg
Applications include: Automotive Housings, Low volume production engine parts
Aluminium AlSi10Mg is a widely used alloy that combines light weight and good mechanical properties. The material has good thermal and electrical conductivity especially after heat treatment. With excellent corrosion resistance and dynamic properties. lightweight automotive designs are much more easily achievable than with traditional casting methods. With flexible post processing options, it is ideal for automotive housings, engine parts and even production tools.
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Vacuum Casting - SORTA-Clear 18
Applications include: Rubber seals, gaskets
Sorta-Clear Series rubbers are near-clear translucent silicone rubbers.
Sorta-Clear 18 offers high transparency with good chemical and heat resistance. With negligible shrinkage, it also features high tensile and tear strength, so is an ideal solution to produce functional automotive components for both prototype and end use requirements.
Interested in finding out more about the materials we offer?