HRE and GE Addworks have collaborated to create the first 3D printed titanium wheel for high performance vehicles.
https://www.shapecut.com.au/blog/hre-creates-first-3d-printed-titanium-wheel/
2. 3D Printing is a technology that is literally changing the way
people create and manufacture real world objects. And now,
specialist high-end wheel manufacturer HRE have unveiled the
world’s first 3D printed titanium wheel.
3. IT’S 3D
PRINTING’S TURN
To achieve this astounding
engineering and technical feat, the
team at HRE worked closely
together with Addworks, a division
of General Electric that specialises
in pushing the limits of additive
manufacturing. Together they
designed, prototyped and tested
the wheel using a new method
called Electron Beam Melting.
4. A QUICK PRIMER
ON 3D PRINTING
Chances are you have a regular
printer in your workplace or home.
This device, basically, drops tiny
amounts of ink onto a flat surface
(usually a piece of paper) to make
words or images appear. 3D printing
extends this system into three
dimensional objects.
5. HRE’S
ADVANTAGES
Using titanium, HRE are able to
make a wheel that not only uses
less material to generate but is
also lighter than others in the
market. Additionally, 3D printing
allows their designers more
creative freedom to make wheels
that would not be easy or
possible at all with traditional
manufacturing methods.
6. The wheel used in the proof of
concept was made by combining
five separate pieces that were
individually designed and printed
on two Arcam EBM Q20 and Q10
machines, then joined with
titanium fasteners. The team are
expecting that as the technology
improves the costs will lower while
giving equal or better performance.
7. At ShapeCUT, we’re excited to see the future of steel
manufacturing. No matter how objects are constructed, the
team at ShapeCUT will be ready to cut, bend and shape it to any
pattern imaginable. Contact ShapeCUT to see how we can help
your business stand out from the crowd.