The automotive industry continues to be revolutionized by technology.
The way our cars work has been changed by technology, but so have the ways we design and construct them. 3D printing has become a major innovation in the automotive industry. This is because automakers, suppliers and aftermarket tuners have realized the full potential of the technology. Porsche continues to push the technology forward with its new process for producing pistons for the Porsche GT2 RS.
The GT2 RS is the first to use 3D-printed pistons. This includes many innovations that the traditional manufacturing process would not have allowed. Porsche was able reduce each piston’s weight by 10% and integrate a closed cooling fan for increased efficiency. This is not possible with standard pistons. The new pistons are optimized for the load it experiences within the cylinder.
New lighter pistons enable increased engine speed and lower temperatures loads. This results in a 30 horsepower (22-watt) increase. This increases the already powerful 3.8-liter flat-6 from 690 horsepower (514 kW) down to 720 horsepower (536 kW). Porsche does not mention an increase in the car’s 553 pound feet (749 Newton-meters). It can run from 0 to 60 mph (96 km/h) in 2.6 seconds.
Porsche produces the GT2 RS’s pistons by using laser metal fusion. This heats and melts high purity metal powder surfaces into shape. Mahle and Trumpf are partners in this endeavor. Porsche also uses 3D printing to make this part. In May, parts for Porsche’s 911 and 718’s bucket seat were partially printed using 3D-printing. Porsche Classic also makes parts that are no longer in production using 3D-printing, such as the release lever for Porsche’s 959’s clutch.
3D printing is gradually becoming more relevant in the automotive industry. Automakers have also begun to use the technology, prototyping and producing new parts quickly during the design and engineering processes. This reduces development time. You can expect to continue using the technology.