Search Car Reviews



See all makes



Instant Spares Look The Part

If you're sick of hearing "Sorry, it's out of stock" when you go to the dealer to get a part, help is at hand. MG Rover, Volvo, Jaguar, Land Rover and Aston Martin are developing an amazing innovation that will actually manufacture components while you wait.

20th October 2004

The firms want customers to be able to walk in, order an item and have it made in minutes. At the moment, the project is focused on small interior parts, but larger components, such as bumpers, could soon be created.

Boffins from Loughborough University in Leicestershire are liaising with the companies to introduce 3D printing machines into dealer workshops. They use liquid plastic or metal granules, and a computer directs laser beams to trace the shape of the required part, hardening them in the process. Designers already use this method to make one-off parts for concepts.

What Next

For more breaking car news and reviews, subscribe to Auto Express magazine. We'll give you 6 issues for £1 and a free gift!

< Previous   Next >

Sponsored Results

0 Comment

Be the first to comment on this article

You need to register to post comments. Existing members can log in below to comment, otherwise click here to join.



Sponsored Results

- Advertisement -

Sponsored Results

- Advertisement -