Quote:
Originally Posted by Stl-986
3d printed parts are mostly printed with PLA (which is cornstarch basically). Some will print with ABS but it's a pain to get printed well. I dont see 3D printing ever taking over injection molding cause you can tell a part that is 3d printed just by looking at it. Great for some things but car plastics....not a chance.
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Very untrue. I've seen plastic 3D printed prototype parts where the only way you'd be able to tell is not being able to find the gate locations. The Mini GP (very low production car, but production) uses 3d printed
metal components - shift paddles and a couple other parts I can't remember.
There's all kinds of additive manufacturing techniques beyond the homemade setup your friend has in their basement.
Of course, machine and materials costs go up exponentially with material / quality / strength / appearance requirements. But, as an emerging tech with a LOT of benefits, we should see rapid progress which leads to improved techniques and better costs.