ford-taps-3-d-printing-to-forge-key-parts

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Maybe they can use this technology to produce some of the retro TBird parts we have been waiting so long for.



http://www.autonews.com/article/2017...autonews-daily

[Rondor]

Re: ford-taps-3-d-printing-to-forge-key-parts

Maybe they can use this technology to produce some of the retro TBird parts we have been waiting so long for.
http://www.autonews.com/article/2017...autonews-daily

Not likely (-:

[Guest]

Re: ford-taps-3-d-printing-to-forge-key-parts

Not likely (-:

I tend to agree with Ron on this one.

The cost of the 3-D printing equipment would be prohibitive for most aftermarket companies.

The very small market for reproduction parts for the 2002-2005 Thunderbird is also a factor. Design, tooling and set-up for manufacturing any part is very expensive. The cost to reproduce parts can't be offset by a handful of potential customers.

This could possibly change if and when the Retros climb in value and prices reach the numbers that the 1955-57s are bringing, but that could be a long wait.

[007Cruiser]

Re: ford-taps-3-d-printing-to-forge-key-parts

Wouldn't the equipment be able to produce parts for a wide range of vehicles? I think the whole point of this is avoid the need for tooling. I may be wrong (it happens all the time) but I see a bright future for this technology. We're still in the infancy stage and only time will tell.

[Quickdraw]

Re: ford-taps-3-d-printing-to-forge-key-parts

I think the main use of this is prototyping or one-offs , not production parts. But yes, the future of this technology could eventually eliminate tooling. I have no idea what people are going to do in the future for jobs and to make a living. Even truck and cab drivers are going to be S.O.L...

[Brad]

Re: ford-taps-3-d-printing-to-forge-key-parts

Before he went off to college, my son was using his 3D printer to "print" the parts to make another 3D printer. With some models there are only a few components that are metal/electronics. The cost/time is in the CAD drawings.

There was quite the outrage last year when the public found out that you could use one to "print" a functional gun.

[sliderule01]

Re: ford-taps-3-d-printing-to-forge-key-parts

The term is now "Additive Manufacturing". It is used to a large extent in the aerospace industry to manufacture very difficult to machine parts.

To answer the question about jobs - there is always work for people that can repair the equipment. They just need more education and computer skills.