Toyota has unveiled a high-performance SUV idea that includes 3D-printed parts, marking a shift in manufacturing practices.
This idea, based mostly on the Toyota Fortuner and developed by Toyota Customizing & Development (TCD) Asia’s motorsport division, incorporates progressive supplies reminiscent of 3D-printed components and Tafnex, a unidirectional carbon fiber-reinforced polypropylene resin sheet.
Supplies and Design
The SUV’s entrance bumper and hood vents are adorned with Tafnex, whereas direct pellet-fed 3D-printed components improve the hood air duct bezels. These supplies, developed in collaboration with Japanese companies Mitsui Chemical substances and ARRK Company, cut back the automobile’s weight and enhance efficiency. The Hyper-F Idea SUV additionally options 4 sport seats, providing a novel person expertise in comparison with conventional two-seater fashions.
3D Printing
TCD Asia leveraged superior 3D printing applied sciences from Mitsui Chemical substances and its companions, together with the high-speed EXF-12 3D printer from ExtraBold Inc.
This direct pellet-fed 3D printing methodology makes use of plastic pellets to kind constructions, offering advantages over conventional 3D printing by rising plastic discharge stability and enabling the fast creation of huge components.
This moldless approach reduces growth lead instances and preliminary funding prices, supreme for high-mix, low-volume manufacturing. Moreover, it helps sustainable manufacturing by permitting 3D-printed objects to be recycled into pellets for future use.
Tafnex Materials
Tafnex, created by Mitsui Chemical substances, is a light-weight, inflexible, and moldable tape with customizable options, appropriate for varied functions together with vehicles and drones. It may well reinforce injected or pressed molded components and be processed into tubes or laminated sheets. Its non-water absorbing properties preserve excessive bending energy underwater and in high-temperature environments.
These superior supplies and the Hyper-F Idea SUV might be showcased on the Bangsaen Grand Prix 2024 and the Bangkok Auto Salon 2024, highlighting their potential in automotive design and manufacturing.
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