Applications

Application of the Month: Customizing Police Vehicles With SLS 3D Printing

Police vehicles are not like other cars. Although they may look much like normal vehicles on the outside, apart from their lettering and sirens, they are very different on the inside. In fact, patrol cars are specially equipped to carry…

MOSOLF
3Dnatives

Police vehicles are not like other cars. Although they may look much like normal vehicles on the outside, apart from their lettering and sirens, they are very different on the inside. In fact, patrol cars are specially equipped to carry out security missions and respond to all kinds of situations. In general, the interior is adapted to include communication systems such as radios and computers, dashboard camera mounts and radar – even the trunk of each car is transformed. However, these modifications have to be tailored to the specific requirements of each police force, requiring a high degree of customization. This is where the work of companies such as MOSOLF Special Vehicles GmbH comes in. Better yet, the manufacturer has incorporated 3D printing into its developments to meet the requirements of police forces in Germany.

MOSOLF Special Vehicles GmbH is a Kippenheim-based company specializing in the conversion of special vehicles. These vehicles are used by German police forces, defense agencies and emergency services. Every year, the company modifies around 1,000 units, and supports its customers throughout the entire process, from vehicle design and production to the resale of the vehicles when they reach the end of their life. Today, we wanted to highlight the use of selective laser sintering (SLS) to transform the interiors of mass-produced police cars.

impresión 3d vehículos policiales

Customized radio stand (photo credits: Formlabs)

MOSOLF Works on Customization to Suit Each Police Vehicle

MOSOLF works with production vehicles, including cars, trucks and vans, tailoring them to the specific needs of each customer. Additive manufacturing has enabled it to meet the challenges associated with customization, particularly on new models that feature more detail and components, leaving less space to include the required communication or signage systems. It was the design flexibility of 3D printing that provided the solution to this challenge, enabling the creation of components that fit into every nook and cranny of the vehicle.