HN Explorer

Ask HN: Could you 3d print 1950's car?

4 points by memracom ↗ HN
If you could scan all the parts to a 1950's American car model, say in Cuba, would it be possible to 3d print a full-size functional car using the steel sintering printers?

If not, how much extra work would you estimate to adapt the design to make it 3d printable?

I am especially interested in a fully functional car, not just a display piece, but one that you can drive for decades.

And, of course the corollary is: Could 3d sintering of new parts help keep Cuba's stock of 1950's automobiles running for another 50 years?

5 comments

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monknomo
Probably, but not all of it. You've got engine bearings and cylinder liners with special compounds and tight tolerances.

It might be easier to print forms for pressing/hammering body panels and plugs for molds to cast parts.

I also don't know if I would totally trust a 3d printed frame

memracom
Since 3d sintering used metal powder it may be possible to do special alloys as well. I agree that the end solution may be a hybrid one with d printed parts from different materials assembled together.

Also, as you point out a lot of testing would be needed for parts that are exposed to constant stress such as the frame, axles and so on.

xkcd-sucks
It's more cost effective to hire a bunch of Cuban machinists to maintain the old cars/build new copies of old cars. If you need to make the project flashy they can get augmented reality welding masks or whatever.

DM(L)S is good for small complicated parts, but for large pieces/large scale manufacturing it's not cost effective (or easy to get the right material properties/do quality control!)

memracom
It's the building of new cars that I am after. These cars have been tested in service for 58 years which is more than any other kind of car. Presumably the Cubans have made some modifications and improvements as well.