Hyundai Motor and Kia are making good use of new technology to boost vehicle development. The Korean automakers are implementing additive manufacturing (3D printing), which can produce prototypes in a faster and more efficient way.
The 3D printing takes place inside the Additive Manufacturing Solution Center (AMSC), which is located at the Korean automakers’ Namyang Research and Development Center. Hyundai said that the facility lets engineers turn digital designs directly into finished parts or components, which makes the whole production process more efficient and more flexible.
It is more efficient and flexible since traditional car manufacturing faced strict limits. Hyundai said that the traditional way relies on molds, dies, and subtractive processes, shaping material by removing excess. This approach limits design flexibility, extends development timelines, and generates material waste, according to Hyundai.
The AMSC’s 3D printing changes the old approach by having the capability to build or produce components layer by layer. Through this, engineers can create complex shapes with fewer limitations, allowing rapid prototyping as well as complex geometries and weight optimization that are difficult to achieve through traditional methods.
The AMSC operates a broad range of 3D printing technologies tailored to different materials, geometries, and performance requirements. Depending on the application, engineers can utilize both polymer- and metal-based manufacturing processes to achieve production-grade performance and precision.
Hyundai shared that every printed part goes through strict checks in the Quality Inspection Cell. The checks or tests include measuring exact dimensions, tensile strength, bending stiffness, and impact resistance. Through this approach, the Korean car brand said that the 3D-printed parts meet the same high standards as traditionally made parts.
The 3D printing allows Hyundai and Kia engineers to quickly produce prototype parts and manufacturing tools. It can also print replacement parts for discontinued cars, which was done to the classic Hyundai Pony, wherein engineers digitally scanned and printed a side-sill component. 3D printing also plays a big role in motorsports, as Hyundai said that racing teams use printed parts like brake duct rails and damper brackets to lower vehicle weight while keeping high strength.
Autocar’s Take
Hyundai and Kia’s 3D printing at the Additive Manufacturing Solution Center presents a new and more efficient method of producing prototypes, components, and parts. The 3D printing approach also gives engineers more flexibility, as the said tech can create complex shapes with fewer limitations, allowing rapid prototyping. As such, 3D printing allows Hyundai and Kia to build almost everything their designers imagine, which makes vehicle development more efficient, faster, and more precise.
