- When it comes to 3D printing car parts, keep in mind that if you’re trying to print something in an engine, it gets so hot, most materials will melt
- Elements that affect the operation of the vehicle aren’t going to be easy to print in a material that will endure being part of a hot, moving car
- Things like spoilers, shift knobs, cup-holders, clips, indicator extenders and other non-safety related parts can be printed (jump to the pics) pretty easily with something like the Snapmaker 2.0
- If you want to print actual, functional mechanical parts, you’ll need something industrial-strength, like the FabPro 1000
- Nylon is a popular type of filament because it has high heat resistance if you’re using it on something like intake runners, and is also unsusceptible to gas and harsher solvents
If you work in or own an automotive business, you may be frustrated when you’re trying to come up with affordable solutions to have car parts for design purposes or samples. Have you tried using a 3D printer?
A 3D printer will solve your problems. You can use the 3D printers for car parts to help you design a part that will be used in a new vehicle. You can also use them for demonstrations or samples.
Some of our favorite 3D printed car part modifications
Spoiler
3D printed spoilers are another popular option for car enthusiasts who want to add a unique touch to their ride. Spoilers can be made from a variety of materials, including plastic, metal, and even carbon fiber. And because they’re made to order, you can get them in any color or design you want.
Indicator extenders
These are a great way to get more control of your car’s behavior while on the road, especially if your existing indicators are too short.
Gauge pod
Shift knobs
Shift knobs are one of the most popular 3d printed car parts because you can find so many different designs and colors. You can even get them made to order with your own custom design.
Brake air ducts
Brake air ducts are an essential part of your car’s cooling system. Professionals can 3D print them to your specifications, and they’re made from high-quality materials that will last for years.
Stereo casing
Fog light housing
3d printed car parts are becoming more and more popular as a way to replace or repair damaged or broken car parts. 3d printing technology has come a long way in recent years, and now it is possible to print car parts with high precision and detail.
A Guide to the 3D Printers for Car Parts
It may sound great to you, but it still leaves you with more questions than answers. Your first question may be how you find a printer that will live up to this capability. This guide will answer that question for you and will answer any more question.
The 5 Best 3D Printers For Car Parts
1. The Snapmaker 2.0
One of the 3D printers for car parts to take a look at is the Snapmaker 2.0. People love this printer, and it comes highly recommended. Some people mention that it’s easy to learn how to use it if you have never used a 3D printer before.
Other people have mentioned that they are happy with the quality of this printer. Some customers have mentioned that if they have trouble understanding something about the machine, they love to lean on the customer support system for help. This printer is also sturdy and reliable.
It’s perfect for making all kinds of projects, especially car parts.
Along with customer reviews, it’s also best to learn about the features of this model. One of the features is the ability to use a touch screen that’s about 5 inches. Another feature is the loss of power.
That’s right. A power outage could be a good thing when working on a project. When the power goes out and then comes back on again, the machine will note that and will start back at the same place you left off again.
Another feature to look at is that it connects to wifi. You can connect this machine to any other device to upload designs for your project.
The features and the advantages go hand-in-hand with the advantages of this machine. One advantage is that this machine is quiet. You can have a business call come in and still use the machine.
Another advantage is that you can do three different things on one machine. You can use it for 3D printing, laser engraving, cutting, and CNC carving. It will also print your objects in high quality. You can use this in a large work area to create bigger-sized projects.
Not only are there advantages, but there are also disadvantages. One disadvantage is that there are not any tutors available if you need help. You can contact the customer support system, but they don’t have the training necessary to help you work the machine.
They can only help you if something is not working properly. Another disadvantage is shipping problems. Since this machine is so big, you may have problems receiving it. In some cases, you may not receive it at all.
What you do in that case is contact customer support, and they will send you another one at no cost. If you do end up receiving it, then you will have to send one of the machines back.
2. The Creality CR 10 Smart Pro
It’s a good idea to see what other customers have thought of this machine before you consider this product. Several people have mentioned that it’s easy to put together if you’re new to purchasing this kind of device.
As a customer had noted, add some plastic around this device if you live in colder areas. You should keep the machine relatively warm because it works better. Other people have said that it’s so easy to use that their child can do it.
If you are interested in what other buyers have thought of this device, then you may be interested in getting into detail and taking a look at some of the features it comes with software already installed.
The software will help you work smart and will make your life easier. Another feature people find helpful is the dual bed leveling. Whether you’re a beginner or a professional, this feature will help you out tremendously as you work on your project.
These kinds of machines help people in the automotive industry but one advantage is that anyone can use them no matter what profession they’re in or how old they are. To help you set it up, the manufacturer has provided tools to make things faster and easier.
Another advantage is that this machine comes with a USB cable. You can hook up your computer to the device, so you can look at things in real-time.
Unfortunately, there are some disadvantages to this machine. One of the disadvantages is that you get minimal support.
It’s hard to get in touch with someone if you need some help. Another disadvantage is that you cannot put any tools in the frame so you can add any additional accessories, like a camera.
3. The Creality Ender 3
Many people recommend this machine over the others that were previously mentioned. Not only have people left reviews on whether you should purchase this product or not, but they also give you advice that you should know before you purchase it.
One customer figured something out while they were putting together their device. Be sure to take your time; it’s not a race. When you take your time assembling it and learning how to use the device, your objects will turn out just like you pictured. Everyone agrees that it’s easy to use, and they are given detailed instructions on how to assemble and use the machine.
Features:
It has a power supply that will heat the printer fast, so your objects will come out looking better than ever. Just like the Creality CR 10, this device will also resume printing after a power outage. You’ll be able to pick up where you left off without any issues.
Advantages:
This is perfect for children because it’s educational for them and will teach them about these kinds of printers. It will also help them develop a new skill relating to STEM projects.
Not only will children be pleased with this, but adults will love the high-quality objects that are being printed. Another advantage is that it takes about 5 minutes to heat the hotbed, so you can begin printing.
Disadvantages:
You will have to spend extra money purchasing extra accessories needed for a specific project. The support system is not the best. If you have a problem and need to get in touch with them, it can be hard to understand them because they may speak a different language than you do.
It can also be very complicated to put together if you’re not careful.
4. The Anycubic Mega Pro
People were surprised to find out that this device comes already put together so you don’t have to do anything. All you have to do is set it up in a room and turn it on. Other people found that it was helpful to include everything they needed to get started.
Some people thought the process was simple and easy to do.
Features:
One great feature is the sensors that come on the device. The sensor will let you know if the filament is falling off the roll, so you can put it back on and continue your project.
It includes a drive that will help the Anycubic Mega Pro quiet down. If you need to take an important phone call, you can do that and work on your projects without being disruptive. You can also treat this device as an engraving tool. You will make your products come to life with this tool.
Advantages:
It can be used for more than one thing, such as engraving and printing. It also can print more than one color. Because of the pause feature, you can pause it halfway and add a new color.
You can’t pause it more than 6 times, but that shouldn’t be a problem. The Anycubic Mega Pro is also sturdy, and it reduces the shaking that may happen when you’re putting your project together.
Disadvantages:
Many people have found that it’s hard to get it leveled. You’re spending too much time to get the X-axis leveled the way it should go.
The bed is not in good shape when you get it because it can be warped, and the company is hard to work with whenever you have a problem.
5. The Anycubic Chiron
People love the fact that this printer is consistent. No matter how many times you do the same project, you will get a consistent result each time. Other people have mentioned that the Anycubic Chiron works so well, and it doesn’t fall apart compared to other printers that are less expensive.
Features:
The print platform is one of the most popular features. It has been upgraded with the Anycubic Chiron to make things easier for you to take the molding off the platform. Another popular feature is the auto-leveling feature.
The auto-leveling feature means that no matter how high your project will go, the level will adjust automatically during the process. If you live in an area where it seems like the power goes out a lot, you won’t have to worry about having to start over.
Your product will resume printing once your power comes back on as long as you don’t adjust anything.
Advantages:
If you don’t know the first thing about 3D printing, that’s okay. The Anycubic Chiron printer will be easy for you to put together and use. You’ll be able to figure it out as you follow the instructions.
If you want to find out how much longer your project will take, look at the touch screen system on the printer. It will tell you how the process is going in real-time. The safety of their customers is their number one priority.
You will be able to heat the machine as high as 100 degrees, which is a safe number to be. If the instructions are confusing and you’re not understanding what to do, this company has technical support on hand at all hours of the day every day.
Disadvantages:
Some printers may have loose connections. Look to make sure everything is there when you receive your Anycubic Chiron printer. The print quality is not the best, and it leaves a lot of disappointed customers wanting their money back.
Another disadvantage is that there are inconsistent prints. Be sure that it’s printing properly before you continue with your model.
6. The Voxelab Aquila 3D Printer
People love the print results. Some people love how easy it was to set it up, so they can start printing. Others love how this is a perfect printer for someone just starting.
Features:
The Voxelab Aquila has a unique feature called open source. The open-source feature allows you to share any upgrades you find within the system with other people. It will improve their experience and yours too.
Another feature is the glass platform. Since it’s glass, it will make it easier for you to remove the mold once you’re done building.
Advantages:
Software is included with this machine. You will also receive a warranty. If you are not satisfied with this machine, you will get a full refund if you send it back within 12 months after purchasing the product.
Disadvantages:
It takes you a lot of time to put it together. Another disadvantage is that the Voxelab Aquilia printer doesn’t have an auto-leveling feature. You have to spend time correcting and adjusting as you go.
Another disadvantage is that you have to look up tutorials to figure out how to use it.
7. The GEEETECH Mizar S Auto Leveling 3D Printer
This printer has come highly recommended by everyone that has purchased it.
Features:
There is one feature that you will be surprised about. It comes with auto-leveling and manual leveling. You can have it automatically leveled as you go through the process or you can choose to pause the process and manually level your piece of art.
To pause the process, you can use their resume printing function. The resume printing feature will start back up exactly where you left off. You don’t have to worry about starting over each time you need to pause the machine.
Advantages:
You can print just about anything, and it comes with several materials to help you get started. As you’re getting used to everything, you will find that it comes with software, so you can work your magic on your computer and hook it up to the printer to start printing.
Disadvantages:
If you want your work of art to have more than one color, you will have to buy separate filaments to make that happen. Another disadvantage is that it can be overwhelming when you’re taking everything out of the box.
Buying Guide
- Research: The first thing to do is research what you’re looking for. Search from reputable companies, so you know they are legitimate.
- Price: When you’re searching for something specific, like a 3D printer, look at the price first and ask yourself a few questions. Is it in the price range you’re looking at? Are there any sales? Is it worth the price? All of these questions can be answered when looking at customer reviews.
- Customer Reviews: Customer reviews will tell you what other people thought of it. If a lot of people recommend it, you’ll know it will be a great product for your business.
- Features: If the price and the reviews have interested you enough to look deeper into the product, look at the features. The list of features each product entails will let you know what to expect before you order the machine of your choice.
The above-listed reviews are examples of what to look for when you’re on your quest to find the printer of your choice. The buyer’s guide breaks those examples down for you, so you know what to look for while exploring your options.
Hello, my name’s Rush Chapman. I’m a 3D printing enthusiast. I started this site to help people choose 3D printing projects and select the best 3D printer for your needs, whether you’re a hobbyist or a pro!
