Law & Order

SEMA Helps Shine Capitol Hill Spotlight on 3D Printing

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

3d
Matt Cordato (right) from the SEMA Garage explains to a SEMA member how 3D printing can increase efficiency and productivity.

The U.S. House Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade Subcommittee held a hearing on how three-dimensional (3D) printing is transforming the process of producing parts and tools. SEMA and the specialty automotive industry have embraced 3D printing, which is dramatically increasing efficiency and productivity. In his opening statement, Chairman Michael Burgess (R-TX) mentioned how the SEMA Garage is providing its members with access to 3D printing, including by Fort Worth-based Painless Performance.  

SEMA submitted a statement on how 3D printing represents the future for manufacturing specialty auto parts, prototypes and tools. For example, the SEMA Garage is helping members bring products to market faster and at a fraction of what it would cost elsewhere. Encompassing 15,000 sq.-ft., the SEMA Garage meets industry demand for a user-friendly resource for testing products to current Clean Air Act emissions standards. The facility also serves as a one-stop shop for product development. Services offered include custom 3D scanning, rapid prototyping via 3D printing, a product installation center, photo studios and a product presentation room. Additionally, in partnership with the automakers, companies have access to technical information and measurements allowing 3D printed specialty parts to fit perfectly on the host vehicle. 

For more information, contact Eric Snyder at erics@sema.org.