Technology / Motors
3D printing gives Isuzu KB engineers the edge
03 Jun 2014 at 07:56hrs | Views
Validation engineer Dave Doubell shows off a custom-made mounting-bracket GMSA
Innovative technology cuts costs and development time of parts
03 JUNE 2014 - Rapid Prototyping, popularly known as 3D printing, is gaining popularity across a range of industries globally. At General Motors South Africa (GMSA), engineers have been working with this amazing technology since 2007 when the company acquired a 3D printing machine to develop new prototype parts.
Since then the machine has played a key part in the localisation and validation process during the development of the 6th Generation Isuzu which was launched in South Africa last year. "We have used this technology to grow prototype parts of a range of components including plastic clips, mud guards, support brackets, air cleaner and air conditioner components, radiator shrouds, rear step components, electronic module housings, and the utility box for the extended cab variant. In addition we often use the machine to make our own 'special tools' and functional components to support our testing equipment, which we use on a daily basis in the engineering workshop," says Dave Doubell, Validation Engineer at GMSA.
3D printing begins with a virtual design which is created on modelling or Computer Aided Design (CAD) software. A STL file (stereo lithography file format) is then fed into the 3D printer which translates the virtual design into a physical prototype part, building it layer-by-layer using a thermoplastic material called ABS plastic.
Vehicle Engineering Manager, Jessel Vencencie, and his team, use the technology extensively as it saves time and cuts development costs. He says, "through this technology we are able to make functioning prototype parts which are then used to give us an early indication of how the actual part will function when fitted to a vehicle. 3D printing allows flexibility by speeding up the development process of parts as we fine tune the design of a component for better form, fit and functionality."
The thermoplastic parts produced by the process can endure exposure to heat, chemicals, humid or dry conditions, and mechanical stress.
"Development of the 6th generation Isuzu did not stop when we launched the vehicle. We are constantly studying customer needs, feedback and warranty data to continuously develop and improve the capabilities of the KB. The beauty of rapid prototyping is that you can test components by installing three or four samples quickly without much cost. This allows us to try more options as we work to enhance the product," says Wendle Roberts, vice president engineering GM Africa.
03 JUNE 2014 - Rapid Prototyping, popularly known as 3D printing, is gaining popularity across a range of industries globally. At General Motors South Africa (GMSA), engineers have been working with this amazing technology since 2007 when the company acquired a 3D printing machine to develop new prototype parts.
Since then the machine has played a key part in the localisation and validation process during the development of the 6th Generation Isuzu which was launched in South Africa last year. "We have used this technology to grow prototype parts of a range of components including plastic clips, mud guards, support brackets, air cleaner and air conditioner components, radiator shrouds, rear step components, electronic module housings, and the utility box for the extended cab variant. In addition we often use the machine to make our own 'special tools' and functional components to support our testing equipment, which we use on a daily basis in the engineering workshop," says Dave Doubell, Validation Engineer at GMSA.
3D printing begins with a virtual design which is created on modelling or Computer Aided Design (CAD) software. A STL file (stereo lithography file format) is then fed into the 3D printer which translates the virtual design into a physical prototype part, building it layer-by-layer using a thermoplastic material called ABS plastic.
Vehicle Engineering Manager, Jessel Vencencie, and his team, use the technology extensively as it saves time and cuts development costs. He says, "through this technology we are able to make functioning prototype parts which are then used to give us an early indication of how the actual part will function when fitted to a vehicle. 3D printing allows flexibility by speeding up the development process of parts as we fine tune the design of a component for better form, fit and functionality."
The thermoplastic parts produced by the process can endure exposure to heat, chemicals, humid or dry conditions, and mechanical stress.
"Development of the 6th generation Isuzu did not stop when we launched the vehicle. We are constantly studying customer needs, feedback and warranty data to continuously develop and improve the capabilities of the KB. The beauty of rapid prototyping is that you can test components by installing three or four samples quickly without much cost. This allows us to try more options as we work to enhance the product," says Wendle Roberts, vice president engineering GM Africa.
Source - GMSA
