CNC turning parts solution . Clarke's third law of futurist writing states, "Any sufficiently superior technology is indistinguishable from magic." HRE's new 3D-printed titanium idea wheels very nearly fall underneath that definition.

HRE Wheels announced this week that it teamed up with GE Additive to create the HRE3D+ concept wheel. This wild design, which has spokes going through different spokes, was created utilizing 3D-printed titanium, allowing the wheel company to create a design that wouldn't be doable by conventional manufacturing methods like CNC machining alone.

Here is how it really works. The wheel was created from titanium powder and a kind of 3D printing referred to as electron beam melting. An electron beam generates heat, which is used to form the powder into metallic structures in a vacuum. Titanium likes to react with oxygen, so the vacuum bit is very essential. This know-how can make more than wheels -- it is being investigated to be used in medical-implant and aerospace manufacturing, as well.

HRE and GE Additive created the wheel in 5 distinct sections comprising the face of the wheel. Those five pieces were mixed with a customized heart part, all of which was eventually bolted to a carbon-fiber wheel rim using titanium fasteners. Some machining is still required, since its precision is unmatched and components like bolt holes must be engineered to perfection.

Whereas it is positively a wild wheel, it's thankfully just an idea for now. Not solely would 3D-printed titanium wheels be egregiously costly, simply because the machines required to make them are, there's additionally the matter of protecting the wheels clear. Within the course of customary operation, wheels pick up brake dust and other grime, and it often takes good effort to keep every inch of a wheel clean. Now imagine attempting to wash a wheel with spokes working by different spokes. You would be in your garage with a toothbrush for the better part of per week.

Nonetheless, it is a killer venture that exhibits just what type of things 3D printing can bring to the table. Many of us overlaying the industry may be inclined to think of 3D printing as one thing that would benefit the manufacturing of components inside vehicles, however the HRE3D+ idea proves it can be utilized to reinforce aesthetics, too.