Briggs Automotive Company
Briggs Automotive Company.
Briggs Automotive Company.
DSM is working with British supercar manufacturer Briggs Automotive Company (BAC) to co-develop 3D printing applications for the Mono R model.
BAC is seeking not only to take advantage of the weight saving benefits of additive designs and potential to customise products per customer desires, but by having 3D printing technology on-site will streamline its supply chain and help reduce emissions.
Many of DSM’s high-performance polymers are already in use in the automotive sector and with a collaboration like this it is just a case of optimising the materials for 3D printing. So far, the partners have developed 3D printed customisable grips for the Mono R’s steering wheel, and 3D printed air inlets which are lighter, more durable and more cost effective than their traditionally produced counterparts.
Briggs Automotive Company
Briggs Mono R
Mono R supercar.
The incorporation of 3D printing has been credited as a significant contributor in limiting the weight of the Mono R to 560 kilograms. But BAC and DSM are continuing to pursue applications, looking at hollowing internal structures and designing organic shapes to reduce weight while maintaining strength, exploiting the technology’s ability to produce parts in accordance with user preference, and localise production to support BAC’s climate positive commitments.
“The BAC Mono is the perfect showcase for the potential of 3D printing to reshape the automotive industry,” commented Patrick Duis, Segment Leader, Automotive at DSM Additive Manufacturing. “Additive manufacturing offers unparalleled options for small-series production and customisation of cars, and we are excited to work together with BAC to optimise our materials for car manufacturers.”
“We pride ourselves on being the ultimate pioneers at BAC and joining forces with DSM means we can once again lead the way – this time in terms of additive manufacturing,” added Ian Briggs, Design Director of BAC. “Keeping the car as light as possible is of paramount importance, and by using 3D printing we not only keep the kilograms down, but also keep sustainability and safety on the up. We’re excited to see how our work on Mono R can translate to the automotive industry as a whole.”
