Watch: Ford develops 3D-printed locking wheel nuts in bid thwart thieves

Driver's voice used to create unique biometric identification which forms 3-D printed nut and key

Watch: Ford develops 3D-printed locking wheel nuts in bid thwart thieves
Ford-patented unique lock nuts, personalised by owners, could prevent alloy wheel thefts.

Ford engineers are harnessing 3D printing technology to develop next-generation locking wheel nuts.

Together with EOS, a leading supplier for high-end solutions in additive manufacturing, Ford has created locking nuts with contours based on the driver’s voice.

Like an iris scan or a fingerprint, a person’s voice can be used as a “unique biometric identification”.

“Unique biometric identification”

Engineers record the driver’s voice for a minimum of one second and use software to convert that singular soundwave into a physical, printable pattern, which can be turned into a circle and used as the design for the locking nut’s indentation and key.

With the geometry in place, the nut and key are designed as one piece, then 3D-printed using acid and corrosion resistant stainless steel.

When finished, the nut and key are separated, with a small amount of grinding required to make them ready for use.

Raphael Koch, Ford advanced materials and processes research engineer, said: “It’s one of the worst experiences for a driver, to find their car up on blocks with all four wheels gone.

“Some alloy wheels can cost thousands to replace, but these unique rim nuts will stop thieves in their tracks.

“Making wheels more secure and offering more product personalisation are further proof that 3D printing is a game-changer for car production.”

Expanding use of 3D-printing

3D printing, or additive manufacturing, offers design flexibility to help reduce weight, improve performance and create parts that wouldn’t be possible using conventional methods.

For more than 30 years, Ford has increasingly used 3D printing to make prototype parts which help reduce the development time for new vehicles.

The company has also used this technology to create parts that feature in the Ford GT, Focus and Mustang GT500, and will make more 3D-printed parts in the future.

Bespoke car parts

Special bespoke car parts are also 3D printed, including the intake manifold in Ken Block’s Hoonitruck and the pair of wind louvres found on the M-Sport Ford Fiesta World Rally Championship car.

On the Ford production line, 3D printing is used to create assembly line tools that are up to 50 per cent lighter, which makes repetitive tasks less physically stressful and helps improve manufacturing quality.

As many of these tools are made of nylon, Ford has introduced a recycling programme that turns old 3D-printed pieces and plastics from manufacturing areas into 100 per cent recycled nylon.

Ford also creates 3D-printed safety equipment, such as protection sleeves for rotating tools used on the production line, which prevent operators from incurring finger and arm injuries.

Do you think the industry will see a rise in 3D printed parts? Share your comments below.

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