Toyota Unveils Excessive-Efficiency SUV Idea With 3D-Printed Elements

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 revolutionary supplies reminiscent of 3D-printed elements 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 elements improve the hood air duct bezels. These supplies, developed in collaboration with Japanese corporations Mitsui Chemical compounds and ARRK Company, scale back the automobile’s weight and enhance efficiency. The Hyper-F Idea 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 Chemical compounds 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 buildings, offering advantages over conventional 3D printing by growing plastic discharge stability and enabling the speedy creation of huge elements.

This moldless approach reduces improvement lead occasions and preliminary funding prices, very best for high-mix, low-volume manufacturing. Moreover, it helps sustainable manufacturing by permitting 3D-printed gadgets to be recycled into pellets for future use.

Tafnex Materials

Tafnex, created by Mitsui Chemical compounds, is a light-weight, inflexible, and moldable tape with customizable options, appropriate for numerous purposes together with vehicles and drones. It could actually reinforce injected or pressed molded elements 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 can be showcased on the Bangsaen Grand Prix 2024 and the Bangkok Auto Salon 2024, highlighting their potential in automotive design and manufacturing.

Filed in Transportation. Learn extra about 3D Printing and Toyota.