Technology Collaboration to Evaluate Potential of 3D-Printed Automotive Production Parts

A German and Austrian consortium aims to develop new materials, printing methodologies and post-processing technologies for durable Stereolithography (SLA) products using Digital Light Processing (DLP) with a focus on automotive applications. SYMPA is sponsored by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) and the Federal Ministry Republic of Austria Transport, Innovation and Technology (BMVIT).

The partners believe that the SLA technology has a huge potential to enable the production of customized parts and products specifically designed for  automotive applications. SYMPA aims to overcome some of the weaknesses of current SLA materials, such as low mechanical properties, low durability and low UV stability. The objectives include the development of a new photosensitive polymer with increased long-term thermal and mechanical properties and the fiber reinforcement of the polymer and surface modification technologies to further enhance the environmental resistance of products. All developed technologies will be demonstrated on real automotive parts.

SYMPA is coordinated by the Institute of Aircraft Design (IFB) of the University of Stuttgart and involves partners across the entire value chain of the SLA technology including material specialists, machine producers and research institutes: 

Henkel has developed high-performance photopolymers with improved mechanical and thermal durability for the SLA technology. 

The Institute of Aircraft Design (IFB) brings a strong background in lightweight construction and composite applications, including fiber reinforced SLA materials for strongly increased mechanical properties and fatigue limit. 

Rapid Shape GmbH offers high-speed open 3D printing systems that can be adopted with different process extensions to meet various material or customer requirements and environmental conditions. 

Joanneum Research and INOCON Technologie GmbH are specialists for development and application of plasma technology for coating and activation, i.e. deposition, post-processing and surface modification for better mechanical and environmental resistance, controlled wettability and electric conductivity of polymers. 

cirp GmbH as experienced 3D-printing service provider enables technology demonstrations on real automotive structures and improved design processes of SLA components.