3D Printed Engines: Industry Projects and Miniature Models

The term engine, according to the Oxford English Dictionary, simply means ‘a machine with moving parts that converts power into motion’. With such a widely-encompassing definition, this term can be applied to any number of different sectors and applications, and engines come in all sizes. Regardless of the use of the engine, many benefit from 3D printing technology with range of advantages compared to traditional manufacturing, from cost savings, time savings, and the ability to make geometrically complex identical parts. Below, you will find some examples of practical application of additive manufacturing for full-size engine parts in the industry, such as automotive and space. 3D printing is also useful for the creation of accurate engine models for education and decoration. We have also selected some of our favorite designs from three CAD file websites: Thingiverse, Cults, and MyMiniFactory.

Industrial Projects

Automotive

Firstly, let’s look at one example: automotive engines. The parts of a car engine which could be 3D printed include an engine block, piston, engine valves, combustion chamber, manifold, and oil filter. In 2018, Bugatti 3D printed an eight-piston monobloc brake caliper using titanium (the first series manufacturer to do so).

A further example is Velo3D’s M300 Tool Steel, an alloy comprised mainly of nickel which is often used in the automotive industry. It is used for many tooling applications such as High Pressure Die Cast (HPDC) inserts and injection molding. Velo3D is also heavily involved in the aerospace industry (more on that below).