The Japanese automaker shared the concept of a four-seater SUV with 3D printed body parts. This material, called Tafnex, is a sheet of polypropylene resin reinforced with carbon fiber.
The components were developed in collaboration with Japan's Mitsui Chemicals and ARRK. The parts were printed on ExtraBold Inc.'s EXF-12 printer model. The material is characterized by its ability to reduce the weight of the car and improve its performance.
The 3D printing method relies on plastic particles to form the finished structure, which gives the technology an advantage over traditional 3D printing methods. Tafnex is also suitable for aircraft and can be produced in the form of pipes or laminates.
The component has successfully passed bend tests under water and at high temperatures. The presentation of the material, as well as the launch of a new version of the SUV, is scheduled for 2024.