Volkswagen enhances prototyping capabilities with Stratasys J850
No stranger to the deployment of 3D printing, iconic automotive manufacturer, Volkswagen AG, has installed 2 Stratasys PolyJet 3D printers – J850 to drive further innovation in the prototyping of new vehicle designs.
With the J850s now installed at the Volkswagen Pre-Series-Center, the team is creating complex multi-material prototypes that mirror final production parts with up to 99% precision, and also matches up to the company’s stringent quality requirements. Part designs can be better tested and improvements can be made easily thanks to the high realism.
To achieve this, it is essential we provide our design teams with the latest cutting-edge technologies to unleash their creativity and enable them to set the standard in automotive design. Peter Bartels, head of the Volkswagen Pre-Series-Center
In a single print, full-color prototypes can be achieved in up to seven different materials that vary in flexibility, rigidity and transparency. This lets the team do away with time-consuming traditional processes like part assembly and painting.
For vehicle interiors, different textured surfaces – from fabric and leather to wood can be 3D printed for simulation and gives designers creative freedom to perfect and test their designs quickly yet cost-effectively. An advanced material – VeroUltraClear allows the team to even replicate the clarity of glass for more creative possibilities.
