Toyota has unveiled a high-performance SUV idea utilizing 3D-printed components, marking a shift in manufacturing practices.
This idea, Primarily based on Toyota Fortuner Developed by Toyota Customization and Improvement (TCD) Asia Motorsport, modern supplies reminiscent of 3D-printed components and Tafnex (unidirectional carbon fiber strengthened polypropylene resin sheet) are used.
Supplies and Design
The SUV’s entrance bumper and hood vents are trimmed with Tafnex, whereas direct pellet-fed 3D printed components improve the hood vent bezel. The supplies have been developed in collaboration with Japan’s Mitsui Chemical compounds and ARRK to cut back automobile weight and enhance efficiency. The Hyper-F idea SUV additionally options 4 sports activities seats, offering a novel consumer expertise in comparison with conventional two-seat fashions.
3D printing
TCD Asia leverages superior 3D printing expertise from Mitsui Chemical compounds and its companions, together with ExtraBold Inc.’s high-speed EXF-12 3D printer.
This direct pellet feed 3D printing technique makes use of plastic pellets to kind buildings, providing benefits over conventional 3D printing by enhancing plastic ejection stability and enabling speedy creation of huge components.
This moldless expertise can shorten the event cycle and preliminary funding price, and could be very appropriate for multi-variety and small batch manufacturing. Moreover, it helps sustainable manufacturing by permitting 3D printed objects to be recycled into pellets for future use.
Tafnic materials
Created by Mitsui Chemical compounds, Tafnex is a light-weight, inflexible, moldable tape with customizable options for a wide range of purposes together with automotive and drones. It may possibly improve injection or compression molded components and be processed into tubes or laminates. Its non-water-absorbing properties preserve excessive flexural power underwater and in high-temperature environments.
These superior supplies and the Hyper-F idea SUV will probably be showcased on the 2024 Bangsaen Grand Prix and 2024 Bangkok Auto Salon, highlighting their potential in automotive design and manufacturing.
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