BMW Reveals Some Details Behind Their 3D Printed Parts

One of BMW’s DTM cars this season will feature the 500th time this 3D printed part was used.

BMW has been embracing even more modern technology in the development and production of parts for their racing vehicles.  Apparently, most of BMW’s GT3 and DTM racing vehicles the last couple of years have included 3D printed water pump wheels.  Using 3D Printing, BMW was able to produce a high-strength, lightweight part that can stand up to the stresses of motorsports.  This unconventional part has proven its strength considering, according to BMW, the part has been included in over 500 racing vehicles.

BMW says that they have been producing these 3D printed water pump wheel since 2010.  Their water pump wheel is made of an aluminum alloy using the SLM (select laser melting) 3D printing method.  This method means that BMW make stronger, durable aluminum layers while most 3D printing uses fairly sheep plastics.  BMW was previously using plastic parts for this purpose, but opted for the stronger, more efficient metal parts.

The design of this water pump wheel always for a much higher output thanks to its lightweight construction.

3D printed parts have proven to be extremely useful for racing applications since no overly specialized equipment was needed to produce the parts, and the precision offered with printing the parts means that all the parts are basically the same.  BMW’s six-bladed design of the water pump wheel combined with the lightweight aluminum means that the 3D printed part is extremely efficient, making the part even better for racing applications.

The question now is that if this part has proven to be so useful, when can we expect to see it make a transition to road vehicles?  If it has not already, I would expect it to make the transfer in the next few years.  3D Printing is still a highly specialized production method, and while the plastic 3D printing is relatively inexpensive, I cannot imagine that the method BMW are using is.  If BMW can figure out a way to make the same part was the same capabilities at a semi less expensive method, you can expect to see it fairly soon.