3D printing to help future of mobility

dubai — When automobile manufacturers look to the future of mobility, there are two buzzwords that immediately capture their attention – electric vehicles, and 3D printing.

Speaking at Gitex Technology Week, Marwan Haidamous, managing director at Renault Middle East, noted that electric vehicles were gaining in popularity around the world. “We are living in an ever-changing world where mobility is expanding and shifting. People want to drive and be driven, and they want more options about how they travel. The future of mobility is electric, and we have all seen this coming.”

“When you look at the future of mobility, there are several trends that are present in the market right now,” said Ajay Purohit, a specialist in automotive product development.

“The future of mobility presents a unique set of challenges, especially for manufacturers. You have to make the car lighter, yet strong enough to be safe under high speeds. Designs are getting more complex, as customers ask for more personalisation... there has to be more of a focus on after sales and support, including spare parts development,” he said.

3D printing, he said, can help manufacturers significantly reduce the time needed to get the cars ready for the roads. “There are lots of possibilities in the market today. You can print parts that would normally take months in a matter of days with 3D printers.”