The Buick Avenir concept car, showcased in the image, was developed and manufactured by the GM Australia team based at the Port of Melbourne. This large luxury vehicle represents a bold step forward in automotive design and engineering. The grille of this prototype was created by Quickparts, a division of 3D Systems, and played a crucial role in helping the GM team win the 2015 “Best Concept Car†and “Best Creative Application of Colors, Graphics and Materials†awards. Despite its small size, the grille proved to be a vital component that contributed significantly to the project's success.
Quickparts is known for offering cutting-edge rapid prototyping and 3D printing solutions that transform digital designs into functional prototypes and parts. Their advanced technology enables companies to speed up product development and reduce time-to-market. In the case of the Buick Avenir, the French word for "future," the project highlighted the innovative capabilities of the Australian team, showcasing how quickly they could turn ideas into real-world components.
The complexity of the car’s grille required a high level of precision and efficiency. Quickparts used the latest sPro60HD Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) technology to produce compact prototypes much faster than traditional methods. While conventional CNC machining would have taken around two weeks, the grille was completed in just three days. This not only accelerated the development process but also improved quality control and reduced costs significantly.
With the support of local experts from Quickparts, the GM Australia design team was able to bring their creative vision to life, turning abstract concepts into tangible parts for testing and evaluation. This collaboration opened the door for the wider use of SLS technology within GM’s global operations.
In recent years, Australian automakers have increasingly turned to 3D printing and additive manufacturing to drive innovation and stay ahead in a competitive market. The production of under-the-hood components has seen significant growth, especially during the early stages of vehicle design. As more manufacturers recognize the benefits of rapid prototyping, the demand for 3D printing solutions in the automotive industry is expected to rise steadily.
This case study illustrates how 3D printing can revolutionize the way cars are designed, tested, and manufactured—offering a flexible, cost-effective, and efficient alternative to traditional methods.
(Editor)
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