Porsche Classic currently has 52,000 parts in its catalog. Some are original stock left over from production, others are produced on original tools as stock runs low. But what happens when those tools wear out? Making new tooling is expensive — exceedingly so for a part sold every few years.
That is all changing now.
Porsche Classic has started to 3D-print parts using a few different methods. The effort, Porsche hopes, will ensure lack of parts doesn’t keep any cars from doing what they were meant to do — drive.
They recently produced a clutch release lever for the 959 through a process called ‘selective laser sintering,’ and are testing 20 or so more parts through various 3D printing processes.
3D printing isn’t new in the automotive world. It has been used for prototyping and checking fitment since the technology became commercially viable. It hasn’t been until recently that 3D-printed parts have been able to achieve quality that meets or exceeds that of the original cast or machined parts.
People have been producing replacement parts using 3D printers for a while now — there are videos all over YouTube. Porsche looks to be the first OEM to be using it to produce exact replacements of original parts. The process isn’t as simple as clicking a button. Parts have to either be totally redesigned in three dimensions or laser-scanned and scrutinized to ensure perfect reproductions.
Porsche is joined by Bugatti in the use of 3D printing parts. However, Bugatti is doing so with new production brake calipers for the Chiron. It should be noted both companies are part of the Volkswagen Group, so maybe in a few years we will see a 3D printed Jetta.
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