Lamborghini uses Carbon's digital manufacturing for end-use parts
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Lamborghini, the Italian sports car brand, is the latest automotive company to adopt 3D printing technology for its production process. The company is working with Carbon to more efficiently produce lightweight, high quality, end-use parts.
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Specifically, Lamborghini is using Carbon technology to redesign several parts of its vehicle interior, mirror assembly and accessory components. The first production parts are a new textured fuel cap with the Urus label and a clip component for an air duct. Both parts are on the Urus model of Lamborghini's Super SUV -- one of the world's fastest SUVs with a price tag of around $200,000.
To produce the parts, Lamborghini will use Carbon printers as well as Carbon's Digital Light Synthesis (DLS) technology, which uses light and oxygen to rapidly produce products from a pool of resin. Lamborghini is also collaborating with Volkswagen's Electronic Research Lab in the redesign process.
"Through our extensive procurement research, we found that many of our vehicle components were ideal candidates for digital manufacturing," Lamborghini Chief Procurement Officer Stefan Gramse said in a statement. "By partnering with Carbon, we are designing on the means of production, which allows us to produce more durable products smarter, faster, and more efficiently, while also substantially accelerating our time to market."
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A number of automakers are experimenting with different materials and manufacturing techniques. Last month, for instance, Carbon showcased the first digitally manufactured polymer parts in production for Ford, including Ford Focus HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Cooling) Lever Arm Service Parts. Meanwhile, Audi has adopted Stratasys 3D printing methods in a plot to drastically reduce the time required for prototyping.