SOLIZE Corporation has announced that parts printed by the company on HP Jet Fusion 3D printers will be used in the automatic transmission oil cooler ducts that are installed as an original option part on Lexus LC500 models. The cars are manufactured and sold by Toyota Motor Corporation. This is the first time in Japan that 3D-printed parts have been adopted by a domestic car manufacturer as an original optional part. Thanks to this, SOLIZE was registered for the first time as an authorized parts supplier for Toyota.
Last year, SOLIZE started cooperation with Toyota in the production of selected spare parts using 3D printing technology. As a Toyota supplier, it has worked with the automotive giant to develop “the first 3D-printed, certified mass-produced Toyota part.” The part is used in the automatic transmission’s optional oil cooler, dampening rising temperatures during track driving to ensure smooth gear changes and comfortable driving.
During product development, Toyota and SOLIZE tested numerous parameters of 3D printing settings and material verification to achieve “balanced physical properties” of the part. The 3D printing design and layout has been optimized to maximize costs while ensuring a streamlined supply chain by eliminating injection molds. The companies emphasize that the costs of managing and maintaining large volumes of molds are a “major problem” for the automotive industry.
Before obtaining authorization from Toyota, SOLIZE had to build a system for environmental maintenance, process management and human resources training. By 3D printing an oil cooler duct, SOLIZE saw a -37% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to the same number of conventionally made oil cooler ducts.
Photo: www.solize.com
Cover photo: www.wikipedia.org
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