Forged composite pistons and 3D printed metal parts

[Chorps]

A couple of interesting articles on ArsTechnica.

http://arstechnica.com/cars/2016/10/...-21st-century/

http://arstechnica.com/cars/2016/10/...e-now-a-thing/

Too bad FCA never went with the Viper as the most no-sacred-cows advanced tech concept, but everyone hated on the idea of dropping front engine and V10 etc., this kind of stuff would have been right up their alley.

[v10viperbox]

So 3D printing metal is totally a thing now but in no way shape or form is it even low production level applicable. In the future yes, absolutely. BMW is playing around with formed carbon fiber castings on the i3/i8 that are structural but limited in scope in terms of impact and tension.

It is so cheap to forge and machine metal parts that there would have to be a seismic shift in 3D printing of metal in strength, fatigue, mm accuracy and production numbers to even get close.