Ford Introduces 3-D Printing Strategy at NAIAS

FLUSHING, Mich - Amongst many exciting announcements at the start of the 2014 North American International Auto Show, one may have been overlooked. Ford Introduces a new 3-D Printing Strategy at the NAIAS to the public, adding an exciting new element to their design process.

The signage above reads:

• Ford ushers in the next manufacturing revolution by 3D-printing parts to represent production components.
• 3D printing improves quality in Ford vehicles by providing engineers more time and freedom to optimize and test parts.
• Ford's 500,000th printed auto part is a prototype engine cover for the all-new Ford Mustang.
• The next steps in Ford's 3-D printing strategy are auto industry firsts -- mixed material applications, continuous 3-D sand printing and direct metal printing.

Overall, 3-D printing can save Ford massive amounts of time and simultaneously allow them to become a better auto maker. Ford will be able to spend more time refining designs and avoid having to wait for prototypes to be developed. 3-D printing reduces Ford's lead times for prototypes by one to two months. Ford will be able to utilize this 3-D printing to make anything from a small car component to a complex engine block. This new strategy can completely compensate for expensive tooling that is usually required to make the same component.  

Ford is also looking to use direct metal printing. This could help reduce lead times due to the number of advantages direct metal printing has over 3-D sand printing. Direct metal printing eliminates a number of steps out of the design and manufacturing process. A direct metal printed object can simply be designed and printed. It really is that simple! Eliminating pre-production steps could save lots of time and allow engineers more time to improve designs.

Ford Introducing the 3-D Printing Strategy at the NAIAS has room to improve the company's overall efficiency as well as lead to cost-savings in the design and manufacturing process. Once this new strategy is put into motion, Ford will have to ability to thrive in the competitive auto marketplace.

At Delehanty Ford, we are proud to keep the very best stock of Ford vehicles at our dealership. If you are looking for a new Ford Edge, we have an amazing Ford Edge Rebate for you to take advantage of! Delehanty Ford wants to help you get a great deal on the Ford of your dreams!

We're located at 1510 E. Pierson Road, Flushing, MI 48433. Feel free to give us a call at (810) 659-5688 with any questions you may have. Family-owned and operated, Delehanty Ford has been serving the Greater Genesee County area for over 65 years with customer satisfaction as our top priority. Our sales and service departments are dedicated to providing the best experience for every customer.

Visit our website: www.delehantyford.com
Follow us: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Google +