Graham Rahal Performance (GRP), a high-performance automotive parts shop in Zionsville, Indiana, has detailed its use of additive manufacturing to produce exhaust components for the Lamborghini Revuelto. The company utilized a Markforged FX10 3D printer to create 316L stainless steel exhaust flanges for the 1,000-horsepower hybrid supercar.
The traditional manufacturing process for these complex X-pipe components typically requires 30 to 40 hours of manual fabrication, including cutting, grinding, and welding operations. Using the Markforged FX10, which employs Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) Material Extrusion (MEX) technology, GRP reduced this to a single digital design and build process.
“What Markforged has done for us was a lot more cost-effective,” stated Rob Sorum, Fabrication Specialist. “I was surprised how well the 316L flange welded, with little to no contamination — and the flow was perfect.” According to GRP, the 3D-printed components required minimal post-processing while maintaining the performance characteristics needed for supercar applications.
Beyond the Lamborghini project, GRP reports using the FX10 for routine shop operations including custom clamps, tooling, and fixtures. The Markforged FX10 features a modular build system that allows users to switch between metal and composite build engines, with a build volume of 375 x 300 x 300 mm.
Source: pim-international.com