# Printed Automotive Wheels BMW is Revving Up for the DTM with 3D-Printed Race Car Parts By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2015-05-02 | Autos Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/race-car-parts References: [3ders.org](http://www.3ders.org/articles/20150429-bmw-turns-to-3d-printing-to-create-water-pump-wheel-for-dtm-race-cars.html) & [bmw](http://www.bmw.com/com/en/) In preparation for this year's German Touring Car Masters (DTM), auto manufacturer [BMW](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/328-hommage) is gearing up by creating water pump wheels that will achieve "ideal aerodynamics." As a car part that spends about 70% of its time under pressure, the one-piece six-bladed pump wheel replaces the plastic component with a [laser-fused metal powder](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3d-printed-packaging-mold) that is gradually layered to provide more stability. On function, cost and manufacturing, BMW notes that "No complex tools or molds are needed, which makes the demand-oriented production more cost-effective." Now that printing one-of-a-kind parts is becoming more affordable, these components could be integral parts to non-racing cars. Ahead of this, BMW has also relied on [additive manufacturing](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bambu-lab-h2s) to create protective 3D-printed thumbs for factory employees and prototypes for student-designed and biodegradable concept cars. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.7/10 - Popularity: 53% | Activity: 49% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Autos](https://www.trendhunter.com/autos) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **3d-printed Automotive Parts:** As 3D printing becomes more affordable, one-of-a-kind auto parts will become easier and more cost-effective to produce. - **Additive Manufacturing in Auto Racing:** Additive manufacturing can improve the performance of race cars by producing high-performing, aerodynamic parts. - **In-house 3D Printing Production:** Auto manufacturers can save time and money by using in-house 3D printing production for custom, complex auto parts. ### Where This Applies - **Automotive Manufacturing:** 3D printing can transform the way auto parts are made and produced, providing a cost-effective and efficient solution. - **Additive Manufacturing:** Additive manufacturing is disrupting traditional manufacturing processes by offering customizable, one-of-a-kind components. - **Racing and Motorsports:** Additive manufacturing is revolutionizing the racing industry by creating high-performing, aerodynamic parts that weren't possible before. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [3D-Printed Winter Sport Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bobsled-footwear.md) - [3D-Printed WCAC Coolers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/conflux-and-donkervoort.md) - [3D-Printed Hypercar Components](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3dprinteros.md) - [3D-Printed Workshop Wrenches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/workshop-wrench.md) - [Jet-Age Racing Revivals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/328-hommage.md) - [3D-Printed Car Storage Inserts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/peugeot.md) - [Flexible Car Cabin Accessories](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3dprinted-car-accessories.md) - [Grand Touring Automotive Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bmw-concept-speedtop.md) - [Futuristic Auto Wheel Modules](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wheel-module.md)