# 3D-Printed Auto Opportunities Researchers Point the Way to Innovative Applications in Car Making By Amelia Roblin | Published 2015-01-28 | Autos Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3dprinted-auto References: [dupress](http://dupress.com/articles/additive-manufacturing-3d-opportunity-in-automotive/) Quickly advancing technologies are building incredible potential for 3D-printed automotive manufacturing. Carmakers can take great advantage of this ever-improving method of assembly, enabling them to streamline and speed up every part of the brainstorming, designing and final building processes. A team of researchers including Craig A. Giffi, Pandarinath Illinda and Bharath Gangula have outlined the many advantages of using [3D printers in rapid prototyping](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/snapmaker-u1), economical car part production and efficient body building. Given the choice of [many different materials](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3dprinting-resin), [additive manufacturing methods](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fibreseeker-3) enable the outright fabrication of many components, saving time and negating the creation of scrap material. 3D-printed automobile design and assembly is thus fast, precise and eco-friendly, which should make this technology the choice vehicle to advance the transportation industry. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.2/10 - Popularity: 78% | Activity: 69% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Autos](https://www.trendhunter.com/autos) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Advancements in 3D Printing:** The ever-improving method of 3D printing is streamlining and speeding up automotive manufacturing processes. - **Rapid Prototyping with 3D Printing:** Using 3D printers for rapid prototyping allows carmakers to quickly test and iterate designs. - **Eco-friendly Automobile Manufacturing:** 3D-printed automobile design and assembly is fast, precise, and eliminates scrap material, making it a sustainable option for the transportation industry. ### Who This Affects Most - **Automotive Manufacturing:** Car makers can take advantage of 3D printing to streamline their manufacturing processes and create more efficient vehicles. - **Additive Manufacturing:** The growing use of 3D printing in automotive manufacturing creates opportunities for companies specializing in additive manufacturing technologies. - **Design and Engineering Services:** The need for skilled designers and engineers to optimize 3D-printed automotive parts and processes presents a lucrative market for design and engineering service providers. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [3D-Printed Auto Accessories](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fits.md) - [3D-Printed Hypercar Components](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3dprinteros.md) - [Digital Glass Design Breakthroughs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/g3dp-2.md) - [Flexible Car Cabin Accessories](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3dprinted-car-accessories.md) - [3D-Printed Car Storage Inserts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/peugeot.md) - [Liquid Metal 3D-Printing Techniques](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/liquid-metal-printing.md) - [3D-Printed Sports Car Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hv001-hybrid-sports-car.md) - [Advanced 3D Printing Solutions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hp-multijet.md) - [Comfy Printed Component Chairs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3dprinted-chair-design.md)