Automotive 3D Printer Guide: Which Technology Fits Your Part?

“Which printer should I use?”
Wrong question.
Start with: “What part am I trying to make?”

Not every 3D printer can meet the demands of automotive parts. Some offer incredible detail but break on impact. Others produce durable tooling fast but lack dimensional precision.

This guide breaks down the major 3D printing technologies used in the automotive industry, and when to use them.

Learn more about 3D Printing in the automotive industry here.

1. Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF)

Used for:

• Lightweight aluminium housings

• Battery cooling plates

• Brackets with complex internal channels

Best materials: AlSi10Mg, 316L stainless, Ti64

Pros:

• Excellent accuracy and mechanical properties

• Closed porosity and certifiable quality

• Great for serial production of metal parts

Watch out for:

• Higher cost per unit than casting at high volumes

• Support removal and post-processing are needed

2. Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)

Used for:

• Interior trim clips

• HVAC ducts

• Functional polymer housings

Best materials: PA12, PA12 GF, TPU

Pros:

• Strong, functional parts with no support structures

• Ideal for small batches or complex geometries

• Surface finish can be improved via dyeing or blasting

Watch out for:

• Nylon base can degrade under UV over time

• Powder management adds complexity

3. Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)

Used for:

• Fixtures, jigs, and tooling

• Concept validation

• Oversized parts or rough prototypes

Best materials: ABS, PC, PA-CF, ULTEM

Pros:

• Cost-effective and fast

• Wide material selection

• Ideal for large parts or tooling

Watch out for:

• Layer lines affect surface quality

• Limited resolution for fine features