Tucci Hot Rods uses 3D printing to create custom car parts for vehicle modification projects. 3D printed parts can be completed in a few hours and, after some post-processing, will be used as final parts on custom cars.
3D printing allows the shop to triple production speed while reducing production costs by 90%.
Founded in 1997, Tucci Hot Rods is a family-run custom car building shop known for its daring modification projects. Tucci Hot Rods designer Dom Tucci focused on using the Ultimaker 2 Extended+ to build their Ford Fiesta ST,
which debuted at the 2016 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.
Dom says he printed about 30 or 40 items with the Ultimaker, from rough models to final parts actually used on the vehicle.
He believes,
"When you think of 3D printing, you first associate it with being a prototyping tool, but for us, it's a final use process."
Adopting 3D Printing
For Dom, getting started with the Ultimaker was easy. "After unboxing, I put it on my desk, ran a print test, and started printing car parts."
Without 3D printing technology, they would have had to outsource parts to external factories for CNC machining, which could be a lengthy process, especially considering the long lead times required for outsourcing.
Now that they have the Ultimaker in-house, they can produce final products in a matter of hours, no longer needing to rely on third-party suppliers' schedules.
Ford Fiesta ST built for the 2016 SEMA show Various car parts 3D printed on the Ultimaker
3D printed dashboard Fiesta's rear taillight sectionDom estimates that with the Ultimaker, they have tripled production speed and reduced costs tenfold.
While car modification projects typically take 6 months to a year, Tucci Hot Rods was able to complete the Ford Fiesta in just two months.
Future Projects
During the Fiesta project, the Ultimaker became a frequently used tool in the shop, and Dom plans to use it in every modification project in the future.
Tucci Hot Rods demonstrates how 3D printing can change the way custom car building shops manufacture parts.
You can view their business case here, or check our website for other applications of 3D printing in the automotive industry.
Article source:https://ultimaker.com/en/stories/50133-tucci-hot-rods-3d-printing-final-custom-car-parts