An Alternative to Injection Molding for Low-Cost Automotive Prototypes

An Alternative to Injection Molding for Low-Cost Automotive Prototypes
Molded plastic can be used as an alternative to metal in many cases. Previously, manufacturers used metal only for items such as brackets, deck lids, seat belt modules and air bag containers. Today, injection molding is the preferred production method for these plastics.
Manufacturers, on the other hand, can sometimes replace molded plastic parts with 3D printed plastic car parts. This happens especially in prototyping, where there is less need for extreme durability or a smooth surface finish. Many moldable plastics are available as FDM 3D printer filament or as Nylon’s SLS 3D printer powder. Some professional and high-temperature 3D printers can also print reinforced composites for high-strength parts.
For one-off prototypes, especially non-mechanical parts, 3D printing may be a cost-effective alternative to prototyping. Since there are no tooling costs, the production price is not that high.
In some cases, manufacturers may even use 3D printing for a handful of end-use automotive parts. They may use SLM 3D printing to make fluid handling components such as valves (not usually injection molded). Another option, however, is to use SLS 3D printing to create parts such as bumpers, trim and windbreakers, which are sometimes injection molded.