3D printing: Parts for classics

3D printing is a great solution for people with classic cars. This has several reasons, but the main reason is the creation of parts that are no longer available.

Mass production vs unit production

The original parts were produced by injection molding with a mold. These molds are very expensive and only interesting for producing higher numbers. This is therefore no longer necessary now that parts can be produced 'on-demand' by means of 3D printing.

Mercedes and a few other suppliers and smart entrepreneurs are now supplying 3D printed parts for classics. That is not (yet) about axles and engine blocks, but about smaller, plastic parts. Mercdes is collaborating with the Daimler Research Group in this process. In this way a pleasant learning field is created to gain experience with 3D production, which of course is on a large scale. Mercdes-Benz is not the only 'mother company' to take such care of its history. Porsche is already doing it.

3D production from the computer

Because if you can 3D print, you can do it directly from the computer. And that saves you the world of mechanical, mechanical and / or thermal processing.

Mercedes can now deliver printed spark plugs. For the W11 and W123 and the W111 and W112, runners and stoppers have been made for the open roofs. The basic support for the interior mirror for the 300 SL is also available again. Just like back then in chromed aluminum, but now slightly longer and wider for more stability and a little higher for more rear view.

Advantages of 3D printing parts for oldtimer

For a classic car enthusiast, 3D printing is definitely worth considering. 3D printing is often cheaper than looking for and purchasing the original part for the oldtimer. The broken or missing part can be completely recreated and printed in the desired material.

This way you keep your oldtimer completely original. Due to the detailed design, the new part cannot be distinguished from the original. The part can then be printed in plastic or metal 3D. From a technical point of view, a few more holes can be drilled or thread can be tapped.

'Non-existent' parts can also be digitally reproduced.

For example, someone has printed a side mirror for his Dodge from 1934. At the time this car was produced, even the 1 side mirror was optional. Now, mirrors on both sides of the car are mandatory in most states of America. But a right-hand side mirror? It has never been there for this car.

The Dodge owner made it easy: He scanned the driver's side mirror with a 3D scanner and made a CAD model. He put this model in a mirror image and thus made a digital model of a side mirror for the passenger side. Ready.

So digitize first

For 3D printing it is therefore necessary that an existing, defective part must first be digitized. This can be done with a 3D scanner. Once the data is 'in the computer', it is also a matter of tying the computer to the printer and pressing the start button. TV host and car collector Jay Leno has been doing this for years, but more and more classic car enthusiasts are starting to appreciate this approach.

There are now providers who have data for Aston Martin, Triumph, Alpine, Austin, Daimler, Datsun, Maserati, Mercedes, Volkswagen, Volvo, Jaguar, Alfa, Honda, Bentley, Rolls Royce, BMW, Borgward, Citroen, Fiat, Ferrari, Ford, Gilbern, Gordon, Heinkel, Renault, Jensen, Lancia, Lotus, MG, Saab, Opel, Porsche, Sunbeam, and De Tomaso.