Toyota has unveiled a high-performance SUV idea that includes 3D-printed elements, marking a shift in manufacturing practices.
This idea, primarily based on the Toyota Fortuner and developed by Toyota Customizing & Development (TCD) Asia’s motorsport division, incorporates modern supplies comparable to 3D-printed elements and Tafnex, a unidirectional carbon fiber-reinforced polypropylene resin sheet.
Materials and Design
The SUV’s entrance bumper and hood vents are adorned with Tafnex, whereas direct pellet-fed 3D-printed elements improve the hood air duct bezels. These supplies, developed in collaboration with Japanese companies Mitsui Chemicals and ARRK Corporation, cut back the car’s weight and enhance efficiency. The Hyper-F Concept SUV additionally options 4 sport seats, providing a novel consumer expertise in comparison with conventional two-seater fashions.
3D Printing
TCD Asia leveraged superior 3D printing applied sciences from Mitsui Chemicals 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 type constructions, offering advantages over conventional 3D printing by rising plastic discharge stability and enabling the fast creation of enormous elements.
This moldless method reduces growth lead instances and preliminary funding prices, excellent for high-mix, low-volume manufacturing. Additionally, it helps sustainable manufacturing by permitting 3D-printed gadgets to be recycled into pellets for future use.
Tafnex Material
Tafnex, created by Mitsui Chemicals, is a light-weight, inflexible, and moldable tape with customizable options, appropriate for numerous functions together with cars and drones. It can reinforce injected or pressed molded elements and be processed into tubes or laminated sheets. Its non-water absorbing properties keep excessive bending power underwater and in high-temperature environments.
These superior supplies and the Hyper-F Concept SUV shall 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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