DSM has announced a partnership with Briggs Motors, a British supercar manufacturer based in Liverpool (hereinafter referred to as "BAC").
The two companies will jointly develop innovative 3D printed parts for BAC's new Mono R supercar and demonstrate the potential of additive manufacturing to achieve weight reduction and enhanced customizability in the automotive industry.
DSM and BAC will work together to fully tap the application potential of additive manufacturing in the automotive industry.
The two companies are convinced that the integration of 3D printing in automotive manufacturing makes the components not only lighter, but also stronger and customizable, which can meet special user needs.
In addition, 3D printing allows OEMs to explore new designs that are simply impossible to produce using traditional manufacturing methods.
The new Mono R sports car uses a series of new 3D printed parts, such as the 3D printed handles developed by BAC and DSM for the Mono R's steering wheel, which can be completely customized for the driver.
The car also has a new 3D printed air intake, which is lighter, more durable and less expensive than traditional air intakes.
Thanks in part to design, computer-aided engineering (CAE), and changes to the production methods of Mono's key components through 3D printing, BAC and DSM were able to limit the weight of this new supercar to 560 kg, setting a minimum Weight record.
Other innovations continue. For example, DSM and BAC are currently exploring the design and production of 3D printed parts that combine new organic shapes and hollow internal structures to ensure weight while fundamentally reducing weight.
Additive manufacturing also allows OEMs to replace materials currently used in automotive manufacturing with new, high-performance and recyclable materials.
Using advanced CAE tools, DSM supports BAC to take full advantage of design potential to design lightweight components for additive manufacturing, such as allowing functional design to limit materials to where they need to support mechanical loads.
Many of DSM's traditional high-performance polymers have been widely used in the automotive industry. By redeveloping these tried-and-tested materials to optimize them for 3D printing, DSM's Additive Manufacturing Division is bringing new innovations The design surfaced, as the record-breaking Mono R demonstrated.
Over time, the weight reduction and durability advantages of additive manufacturing will undoubtedly be incorporated into the design of mainstream cars.
DSM and BAC will continue to work closely to develop new technologies, materials and applications for 3D printing in the automotive industry.
The two parties will also seek opportunities to improve the sustainability of automobiles and other manufacturing processes.
In 2018, BAC became the first car manufacturer to actively respond to climate change, which means that it removes more CO2 from the atmosphere than it emits.
Additive manufacturing will enable BAC to further reduce emissions, for example, because 3D parts can be printed on-site instead of having to be shipped around the world.
The company will also use DSM's range of recyclable materials to further its sustainability goals.