Ford has launched a new online store allowing visitors to purchase 3D printed versions of some of their most popular models.
Currently, the store includes the Mustang, Ford Focus ST, Fiesta ST, F-150 Raptor, Shelby GT350R and the upcoming GT supercar. Each scaled model is six-inches in length, much like a die-cast model.
Customers in the online store can either buy a pre-printed model or opt to buy the schematics to print it themselves – providing you have access to a 3D printer.
3D printing technology has evolved massively over the last 10 years, with manufacturers using 3D printing to create prototype parts when developing new vehicles.
We have already seen some examples of 3D-printed parts making it into the mainstream. A Ford research engineer fitted a 3D printed gear knob to their Ford Shelby GT500 a while back, displaying its potential. Also, American carmaker Local Motors printed an entire car live over five days at the Manufacturing Technology Show in Chicago.
With manufacturing rapidly evolving, the future could present the opportunity to print your own necessary car parts at home and save money on cost for travel and repairs.
Ford Global Brand Licensing Manager, Mark Bentley, commented on the use of 3D printing: “3D printing at home is a growing trend, and it makes sense for us to offer our customers a chance to make their own 3D Ford models. At Ford, we’re using 3D printing every day to rapidly prototype parts, and now we want to share that fun with our fans.”
