#3DExpress: 3D Printed Headrests in the New Sports Car FromAlpine

This week in our new 3DExpress, we bring you the new 3D-printed headrests produced by ERPRO for carmaker Alpine. They are made from a bio-elastomer. We’ll also take a look at the MASSIF project announced by AddUp and its partners: the aim is to enable a larger, more environmentally-friendly metal 3D printing process. Last but not least, we’ll be presenting a new de-soldering solution for large-format metal parts, to be found at Formnext 2024.

ERPRO 3D Prints New Parts for Alpine

Having already designed some accessories for the Peugeot 308, French 3D printing service ERPRO has now announced a collaboration with Alpine. Its first 100% electric sports car, the A390_β, features 3D-printed headrests. They were produced using the SLS process, with the bio-sourced Pebax® Rnew® elastomer developed by Arkema. The headrests are encased in a transparent material reminiscent of blocks of ice – the car manufacturer is said to have drawn inspiration from nature, and the Alps in particular, to develop its new show car.

Photo Credits: Alpine

AddUp and XXL Metal 3D Printing

Metal 3D printing solution manufacturer AddUp recently announced a new development project. Called MASSIF (for Metal Additive System, Sustainable, Industrial, Eco-Friendly), it aims to design a large-format machine to increase industrial productivity and printing capacity. Clear objectives have been announced: +300% in terms of productivity, a volume 12 times greater than current AddUp 3D printers, and 10% less metal waste generated. This metal machine will be developed in partnership with Cailabs, CETIM, Dassault Systèmes, ISP Systems and Vistory. Julien Marcilly, CEO of AddUp, explains: “It was the association of the best experts, each in their field, that allowed us to launch the MASSIF project. This technological leadership in large-scale metal 3D printing will enable us to meet the challenges of energy transition and productivity for aeronautics, defense and space players, always in a co-design approach by AddUp with its clients.”