Porsche 3D-printing technology could revolutionize how bucket seats are designed
Porsche is responsible for some of the most significant innovations in automotive, especially in the performance department.
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The German automaker’s latest innovation concept is looking at how we can improve seating production in sports cars. The “3D-printed bodyform full-bucket seat” concept study could simplify the introduction of seat personalization in production cars.
“The seat is the interface between the human and the vehicle, and is thus important for precise, sporty handling. That’s why personalized seat shells customized for the driver have been standard in race cars for a long time now,” says Michael Steiner, Member of the Executive Board for Research and Development at Porsche. “With the ‘3D-printed bodyform full-bucket seat’, we’re once again giving series-production customers the opportunity to experience technology carried over from motor sports.”
The problem with personalizing seats in production Porsche vehicles has always been the cost. It’s almost impossible to individualize seats in an efficient and cost-effective way for vehicles produced on a mass scale. With 3D-printing, however, the personalization of each seat could be a lot faster and a lot more affordable.
Porsche’s concept would be to create the central section of the seat using a 3D printer. Customers would choose between three levels of firmness including hard, medium, and soft. The seat would also feature a sportier design. It would be lighter which would help performance and yes, it could still be heated and ventilated.
The Porsche 3D-printed bodyform full-bucket seat will go into limited production for testing purposes next month in the Porsche 911 and 718 lineups. The production will be limited to 40 units in Europe to test how the seats perform and find areas of improvement. The seats will only be used on the track. Porsche is hoping to make the seats available on a larger scale through the Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur program starting in mid-2021.
Eventually, Porsche wants to not only adapt the firmness to each individual buyer, but the shape of the seat as well.
This article was written by:
Charles Jolicoeur