# 3D-Printed Component Automotive brands leverage 3D-printing for efficiency and quality. By [Hayley McGlone](https://www.trendhunter.com/hayley_mcglone), Manager, Client Research & Strategy | Published Feb 27, 2019 | Category: [Autos](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/auto-and-motor-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/3dprinted-component ## Key Figures - Trend score: 4.9/10 - Evidence articles: 5 ## What is the 3D-Printed Component trend? **3D-Printed Component:** Brands in the automotive industry are incorporating 3D-printing into the manufacturing process of car parts due to it being highly cost-effective, limiting waste created during manufacturing. The incorporation of 3D-printing technology into the manufacturing process highlights how brands are looking to reduce their ecological impact. ## The consumer insight behind the 3D-Printed Component trend As more consumers become more knowledgable about the impact of their consumption on climate change, their willingness and trust in novel solutions that reduce ecological impact increases in many cases as well. This is true even with some of the most expensive and high-stakes products that they purchase, highlighting a general openness to creative solutions to help reduce any negative impact. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 5 featured examples - Articles from: Dec 27, 2017 to Dec 10, 2018 - Published: Feb 27, 2019 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence), [Acceleration](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/acceleration) - Megatrends: [Naturality](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/naturality), [Artificial Intelligence](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/artificial-intelligence), [Authenticity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/authenticity) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the 3D-Printed Component trend ### 3D Printing in Automotive Manufacturing Brands in the automotive industry are incorporating 3D-printing into the manufacturing process of car parts to create highly customizable, lightweight components and improve efficiency. ### Sustainability and Eco-Friendliness Brands are looking to reduce their ecological impact by incorporating 3D printing and other innovative solutions into their products and manufacturing processes. ### Emerging Technologies in Automotive Manufacturing Automakers are leveraging technologies such as 3D printing, AR, VR, robotics and digital manufacturing to streamline production processes and create cutting-edge products. ## What the 3D-Printed Component trend means for industry ### For Automotive Manufacturing Automakers can leverage 3D printing to create highly customizable, lightweight components and streamline production processes. ### For Sustainable Manufacturing Companies in various industries can incorporate 3D printing and other innovative solutions to reduce their ecological impact and improve efficiency. ### For Emerging Technologies Industries across the board can leverage emerging technologies such as 3D printing, AR, VR, robotics and digital manufacturing to streamline production processes and create cutting-edge products. ## Workshop question Consider how your brand could leverage innovative technologies to be more environmentally-conscious. ## Trend signals for 3D-Printed Component Trend score 4.9 out of 10, from popularity 69%, activity 69%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 69% - Activity: 69% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the 3D-Printed Component trend 5 featured examples from Dec 27, 2017 to Dec 10, 2018. - [3D-Printed Automotive Accessories](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mini-yours-customised): 'MINI Yours Customised' Lets Consumers Personalize Their Vehicle (Category: Autos) Implication: Automakers and suppliers can leverage 3D-printing and laser etching technology to create personalized and one-of-a-kind automotive accessories. - [3D-Printed Automotive Interiors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/genesis-essentia): The Genesis Essentia Concept Showcases a Dynamic Printed Interior (Category: Autos) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Integrate 3D printing into the manufacturing process to streamline production and reduce costs. - [Lightweight 3D-Printed Rims](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hre3d): The HRE3D+ 3D-Printed Titanium Wheels are Strong and Efficient (Category: Autos) Implication: The HRE3D+ 3D-printed titanium wheels highlight trends in lightweight materials and 3D printing that could disrupt the automotive industry. - [3D-Printed EV Parts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/autodesk-inc): General Motors and Autodesk Inc Will Use 3D Printing for Electric Batteries (Category: Autos) Implication: The partnership between General Motors and Autodesk Inc demonstrates the disruptive innovation opportunities in the automotive manufacturing industry by incorporating 3D printing… - [3D-Printed Automotive Brakes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shelby-gt500): The Shelby GT500 Will Use 3D Printing for Commercial Purposes (Category: Autos) Implication: The automotive manufacturing industry can leverage 3D printing technology to revolutionize their production processes with increased efficiency, lower costs, and improved product… ## Recent trend clusters - [Racing Homage](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/racing-homage) (Autos) - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Autos - [French Retro City Cars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/french-retro-city-cars) - [Factory-Backed Performance Centers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/heritage-performance-centers) - [Flexible Luxury Motorhomes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flexible-luxury-motorhomes) - [Electric Luxury Grand Tourers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/high-price-ev-sedans) All articles: [Autos](https://www.trendhunter.com/autos)