Case study · Automotive
3D printed paint masks for a US automotive plant
Extra-large paint masks for automated spraying at a large US automotive manufacturer, printed in a high-temperature material on large-format machines and shipped overnight over 5,500 miles.
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- Industry
- Automotive
- Process
- Large-format printing
- Material
- High-temperature material
- Use
- Automated paint spraying
- Delivery
- Overnight, over 5,500 miles
Challenge
- Large components for an automated paint line.
- Material that tolerates the temperature of the process.
- Delivery to a US plant at short notice.
Result
- Extra-large paint masks for automated spraying.
- Delivered overnight to a large US automotive manufacturer.
Approach
- 01
Print large
The masks were made on large-format machines.
- 02
Choose a high-temperature material
The material was selected to cope with the heat of the paint process.
- 03
Ship overnight
Dispatched to the plant overnight, a journey of over 5,500 miles.
Why this process and material
Why printed masks
A mask is a low-volume, shape-specific tool. Printing it avoids machining or moulding tooling and allows a quick revision.
Why high-temperature material
Parts near a paint line see heat. Material choice is set by the temperature of the zone, not by cost.
Summary of the engineering approach
A paint mask is a low-volume, shape-specific tool, so printing it avoids machining or moulding tooling and allows quick revision. The material was chosen for the heat of the paint zone, and the masks were shipped overnight to the plant.
Questions about this project
What were the parts for?
Masking for automated paint spraying at a large US automotive manufacturer.
How were they delivered?
They were shipped overnight to the US plant, over 5,500 miles away.
Suggested next steps
Recommendations for taking the part further. None of this is completed work.
- Agree an inspection and temperature limit for the mask before repeat orders.
- Keep the file on record so a replacement can be printed on demand.
