Additive manufacturing is widely used in the automotive industry, from the exterior and interior design of a vehicle to improvements in production processes. This is because complex components can often be produced more easily with additive technologies than with conventional manufacturing techniques. Furthermore, 3D printing allows users to try out digital designs using a test print, test and improve this prototype and quickly implement it in reality. This has been clearly shown with the new Chevrolet Corvette concept car from General Motors at the brand’s new UK design studio, which shows what car drivers can expect from vehicles in the future.
The automotive manufacturer General Motors has been using additive manufacturing in numerous application areas for almost 30 years – for example, it supports design processes, product and material construction, vehicle manufacturing and aftersales in order to print certain components directly for customers. Specifically, General Motors produces early prototypes using 3D printing technologies, as well as tools and accessories to simplify production. This also enables cost-saving and sustainable production of components.
New design studio for General Motors in Birmingham
3D printing is also being used in General Motors’ brand new Global Design Studio in Birmingham, where it is now possible to see the team’s first results: a futuristic concept design of the Chevrolet Corvette model. The new team is explicitly responsible for the innovative concept design of future General Motors vehicles. They are to actively shape “the future of mobility” and specifically form our ideas of what vehicles could look like in ten or even 20 years’ time.
Although the new concept car, the Chevrolet Corvette, is not due to go into production any time soon, it will instead serve as an innovative target that will drive the company’s production capabilities forward. Large parts of the vehicle are to be produced using additive manufacturing, for example, with the futuristic design directly inspired by aviation aesthetics. Specifications on the size of the concept have also been published: the vehicle will be just under 1 m high, 2 m wide and 4.7 m long.
The future production standards that General Motors is aiming for with the new Design Studio can only be achieved by using additive manufacturing. This only confirms its role as a sustainable and forward-looking technology all the more. However, especially in the automotive industry, immense advantages can already be created in the present, according to General Motors. In any case, we are excited to see what concepts the new design team will publish in the future. You can find more information HERE.
Chevrolet Corvette concept car
What do you think of the new Chevrolet Corvette 3D printed concept car? Do you think it will be made in the future? Let us know in a comment below or on our LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter pages! Don’t forget to sign up for our free weekly Newsletter here, the latest 3D printing news straight to your inbox! You can also find all our videos on our YouTube channel. You can also find more 3D printing news from the automotive and transportation sector HERE.
*All Photo Credits: General Motors