Developer Touts 3-D Printing Prototype Capabilities

Houston-based Changing Technologies (CHGT) Inc. says its 6th Dimension Technologies subsidiary has won a contract to produce 3-D-printed prototypes of fuel injection nozzles and fittings for use in nitrous race cars.

The design complexity and materials used in the specialty parts make them impossible to produce using traditional manufacturing systems, the supplier claims. It will work with an unnamed custom auto parts manufacturer on the program.

6th Dimension will print the prototype parts using different lightweight metals, such as chrome and aluminum. Production runs will be printed on-demand to minimize inventory and storage costs.

CHGT says parts can be made faster and cheaper with 3-D printing systems. The technology also enables greater design flexibility that allows for the use of lightweight materials to be formed into unusually complex shapes, according to the company.