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Old 12-10-2024, 08:47 PM
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One thing we do have on our side is technology. Computers have changed the world of rapid prototyping and small run parts. There is technology in the pipeline now that precludes the use of giant dies to produce body panels, they are "hand formed" by CNC machines from sheet. How long before cylinderheads can be metal 3d printed like they already are with many high tech components, even entire rocket engines.

We are approaching a point where if you can generate a 3d CAD file of a part, then it can be produced, often without dies, foundries, casting etc. All quite expensive at the moment, but then 20 years ago a 3d printer would cost you $20,000, now you can get a pretty nice one for a few hundred.

Ferrari is using 3d printed pistons in their F1 cars, rare body panels for exotic vintage cars are being produced by CNC forming machines. Dies for injection molding are now whipped out by CNC machines instead of tool and die men.

Who knows, ten years from now the aftermarket might not care about volume demand, they may produce individual parts on demand.

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