3D Printing with PEEK, PEKK, & ULTEM™
Join AON3D's 3D printing application and materials experts for a 30-minute session that covers all the key information
Las Vegas, Nv. – Ford Motors showcased several custom vehicles at the 2021 SEMA show but one of the most impressive, a highly customized Ford Mustang Mach-E GT built with EV speed records in mind. Among several modifications on the vehicle, 3D printed parts from the new AON M2+ will help the car in its ambitions to join the 200mph club at the 2022 Bonneville Speed Week, a feat not yet reached by a production electric vehicle at the event.
Fast, Customized End-Use Parts for Automotive Applications
Faced with tight deadlines and sluggish supply chains the Austin Hatcher Foundation, responsible for upfitting the vehicle, turned to high temperature industrial 3D printing to prototype and manufacturer high strength, show quality parts. Printed in Carbon Fiber filled ABS, a common plastic used in injection molding, the parts include rear wing uprights and wing edges custom fitted to the body of the Mach-E. With a bit of light sanding and painting, the parts went from prototype to show-ready parts in about two weeks, where conventional manufacturing was not able to deliver in eight weeks and counting.
3D Printing Beyond Short-Run, Customized Parts
Beyond prototyping and short-run customized parts, additive manufacturing has dramatically grown within the automotive industry over the last decade. Advancements in high-temperature 3D printing and high performance polymers, such as PEEK, PEKK, and ULTEM™, provide the ability to create parts faster, stronger, and lighter than metal components. These materials are being used for part consolidation, lightweighting, and speeding production capabilities with fast, customized manufacturing aids.
Joining the 200mph Club to Help Fight Cancer
In addition to the rear wing, the Mach-E was fitted with 20-inch Rotiform E-159 OZR wheels, Brembo brakes, a custom carbon front splitter, and adjustable Motion Control Suspension to enhance handling. This combined with additional undisclosed modifications and a removed speed governor, the Austin Hatcher foundation plans to be the first production EV to hit 200mph at the 2022 Bonneville Speed Week. Following the event, the car will be put up for auction to help the foundation in their mission to help kids with cancer and their families.