Porsche reveals 3D printing technology for bucket seats
KUALA LUMPUR: German sports car manufacturer Porsche, yesterday, revealed a 3D-printed, ‘body form full-bucket seat’ as an alternative to the conventional seating upholstery. The product is still at its concept stage but is expected to go into production soon. Under the project, the seat’s backrest cushion and the central section will be made by a 3D printer. Buyers will get the option to choose from the hard, soft, and medium firmness levels.
3D printing is slowly gaining ground in the automotive industry with an increasing number of manufacturers experimenting with the technology. McLaren and Bugatti used the technology on their wheels and brake callipers, respectively. Some companies have even taken a step further by printing supercar chassis components.
Michael Steiner, senior research and development official at Porsche, said that a car’s seat is the interface between the vehicle and the driver. It is important for precise and sporty handling of the car. Personalised driver seat shells are a standard in racing cars. With the new 3D-printed bucket seat, Porsche will give customers an opportunity to experience the technology borrowed from motorsports, he added.
Besides the ergonomic fit which can be found in racing cars, the 3D-printed seat will also deliver a unique design, improved comfort, lower weight, and passive climate control.
The basic support Porsche 3D-printed seat is manufactured from expanded polypropylene, bonded to a comfort layer. The latter comprises a mix of polyurethane-based materials. The concept seat’s outer skin is manufactured from 'Racetex'. It has a specific type of perforation pattern to ensure climate control. The window panels lend a view of the 3D-printed lattice structure’s exposed coloured components.
The 3D-printed full-bucket driver’s seat would be available from the Porsche Tequipment for the 718 and 911 series cars from May. The seat will come with a six-point seatbelt and production will be limited to just 40 units, mostly for use on the European racing tracks. The Stuttgart-headquartered company will take the feedback from drivers before using the seat more extensively across its portfolio.
Porsche claims that the technology will enable fully customised solutions if it generates sufficient customer interest.
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