115: Print Final Parts, Not Just Prototypes!

Is 3D printing going to replace CNC machining in the near future?

Even your Mum has probably heard of 3D printing at this point, but what’s not so well understood — even by enthusiasts — is just how quickly this technology is advancing, and what's now possible when it comes to making your car faster, stronger, and more capable.

One person helping to push that technological envelope is this week’s guest, Joe Dopkowski of 3D Systems.

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Use “3D50” to get $50 OFF our 3D Modelling & CAD for Motorsport Course:
https://hpcdmy.co/CADb

Joe has a background in mechanical engineering, and previous to working with 3D Systems, he spent time at OEM manufacturers developing parts for new vehicles. A long-time motorsport enthusiast, Joe has been able to combine his interests and work to push technological boundaries in the pursuit of more speed, working with F1 teams and aftermarket companies like BBi Autosport and English Racing.

In this conversation, Joe starts out by talking us through the fascinating history of 3D printing, but what we’re most interested in, is where the tech is at now, and where it’s heading in the near future.

Joe gets us up to speed here, discussing just how far this field has come in a short amount of time, and exactly what’s possible right now with current 3D printing capabilities. This means printing not just prototype plastic parts, but producing ultra-strong, ultra-light finished components from titanium, aluminium, and nearly any other metal you can imagine.

This episode goes deep on all things additive manufacturing, and is going to challenge any assumptions you might have about 3D printing. Prepare to open up a whole new world of possibilities when it comes to creating bespoke performance parts for your vehicle. 

Follow 3D Systems here:
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WWW: 3dsystems.com

Don’t forget, you can use “3D50” to get $50 OFF our 3D Modelling & CAD for Motorsport Course: https://hpcdmy.co/CADb

Timestamps:
4:43 When did you develop an interest in cars?
6:19 What does a mechanical engineering degree entail?
12:20 What OE manufacturer did you work for and how was it?
18:05 What is tolerance stacking?
20:50 How did you end up working for 3D Systems?
24:41 Overview of 3D systems.
27:18 What’s your role at 3D Systems?
32:40 What does additive manufacturing mean?
39:06 How do 3D systems plastic printers work?
45:16 3D printing in F1.
54:12 3D printing materials.
1:00:20 Steps between 3D model and physically printing the part.
1:04:47 How much are these plastic printers?
1:06:54 How does metal printing work?
1:11:29 Speed of printing metal vs plastic.
1:13:11 Strength of metal printing.
1:15:15 What areas of motorsport lend themselves to metal 3D printing?
1:19:15 What is generative design?
1:22:28 Cost of metal printers.
1:26:44 3D printing in F1 part 2.
1:35:42 What is 3D printing going to look like in 5 years?
1:43:22 Final 3 questions.