3D Printing for Oldtimers

With love of detail and respect for the past

Owning a classic car is a joy for many people, even though, or precisely because, something constantly needs to be repaired and restored. To preserve the feeling of the past, one would like to keep the original as it was decades ago. This poses a challenge when there are hardly any corresponding originals left on the spare parts market or they fetch particularly high prices. With the help of additive manufacturing, this no longer has to be a problem.

One of the biggest advantages of 3D printing for classic car owners is the possibility to have spare parts produced quickly, precisely and true to the original. In the past, you often had to search for original spare parts for a long time. This sometimes involved long journeys and even higher costs. Thanks to 3D printing, spare parts can be produced quickly and cheaply, without long waiting times.

Additive manufacturing offers the possibility of producing the required components directly from 3D data. These data can either be created by a 3D scan or generated by an engineer on the computer in a CAD design.

In addition to an original reproduction of the component, highly individual adaptations can also be made. For example, special exhaust systems can be printed that are perfectly adapted to the needs of the vehicle. Many possibilities also open up when designing interior parts or body details.

Important facts about the production of spare parts

• 3D printing enables the production of spare parts for classic cars that are difficult or impossible to obtain
• Use of 3D scanning technology enables accurate digital copies of original parts, which can then be precisely reproduced
• Faster production compared to manual production of spare parts
• Possibility to produce parts with improved materials and functions without changing the original design much
• Induvidual adjustments possible directly in the 3D file
• Improving the availability of spare parts and thus preserving classic cars
• Production of spare parts for discontinued models can be resumed (small series)

The right material for your spare parts

3D printed components on the manufacturing process of selective laser sintering (SLS) for plastic and selective laser melting (SLM) for metal components are particularly suitable as spare parts. The objects are created layer by layer by melting a fine powder with a powerful laser to form a solid component. The components are very stable due to the melting process and the material used and are also suitable for long-term use. Plastics can be painted or coloured as desired. Metal components can be given an additional surface finish, such as coating, vibratory grinding or polishing.

You need a rare spare part for your classic car quickly? We manufacture using 3D printing and deliver it within a few days. We would also be happy to support you with 3D data creation through a 3D scan or as part of a design service. Generate a free quote online now!

Metal materials for the SLM process

• MS1 (1.2709)
• PH1 (1.4540)
• 316L (1.4404)
• AlSi10Mg
• RS-Kupfer
• Reinkupfer

Plastics for the SLS process

• PA11
• PA12
• PA12 FR
• PA6

Areas of application

Whether bicycles, cars or tractors, we manufacture your individual spare part, true to the original in the style of the past or with personalised modification requests. An example application could be old plastic parts where the original plastic is already broken and brittle. Stable metal components for higher stresses can also be produced with the available additive manufacturing processes at PROTIQ.

Application examples

• Covers, seals
• Trim strips, cladding parts
• Air intakes
• Radiator mascots
• Gear knobs

• Carburettor, intake funnel
• Dummy plugs
• Dashboards
• Regulators, knobs, handles
• Brackets

Difficulties and limitations

Produce accurate copies of aged original parts

It can be difficult to manufacture the spare parts in such a way that they do not stand out among the decades-old original parts. By choosing the right material and possible finishing steps, this problem can be solved in many cases.

Legal restrictions

In some countries, there may be laws and regulations that restrict or prohibit the 3D printing of spare parts for classic cars. For example, additively manufactured components may not be used in some load-bearing and safety-relevant areas. Please find out in advance whether the spare part you need may be used for its intended purpose.

Design guidelines

As with all additive projects, the general design guidelines also apply to classic car spare parts.

> Read more about the design guidelines here