Ford F3T Technology Fast Forwards Fabrication

Ford has revealed a new fabrication technology, developed in its Research and Innovation Center, which could revolutionize the automobile manufacturing field. The new technology, dubbed Ford Freeform Fabrication Technology (F3T), has taken Ford four years to develop, using grant from U.S. Department of Energy.

The technology will be used to manufacture limited number of complex metal parts, usually required during a prototype stage or while manufacturing a limited number of unique units. The general process uses massive hydraulic stamps that punch out metal parts in a matter of minutes. However, this requires new dies to be made first. This makes it both time consuming and cost in-effective.

This is where Ford F3T tech comes in useful. The system uses a machine that literally sculpts unique parts. According to Ford, the new tech will produce custom metal parts in just three days, thus fast forward the process of constructing concept vehicles and prototypes. Whereas, using traditional methods would require anywhere from two to six months.

"As we forge ahead with cutting-edge technologies in manufacturing like flexible body shops, robotics, 3D printing, virtual reality and others, we want to push the envelope with new innovations like (Ford Freeform Fabrication Technology) to make ourselves more efficient and build even better products," said John Fleming, executive vice president, global manufacturing and labor affairs.