Spanish Firm 3D Prints Exhaust for Mercedes SLR McLaren

Ferrita Sweden AB partnered with Spanish company Meltio to create a custom exhaust system for a 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren. The Swedish firm, specializing in noise and vibration reduction, used Meltio’s metal 3D printing technology to overcome the challenges of fabricating complex, symmetrical exhaust tubes with the McLaren logo integrated into their design. Traditional methods would have required costly and time-consuming tool creation.

Meltio’s laser metal deposition process allowed for rapid prototyping and the final printing of the exhaust system in stainless steel, completing the four tubes in four to five hours. This approach reduced both the time and cost of the project by approximately 50% compared to conventional manufacturing, saving around 2,000 euros in tooling costs.

The new exhaust system also reduced weight by around 20 kilograms by replacing a bulky silencer. Ferrita plans to continue utilizing additive manufacturing to offer unique and high-performance customization options for vehicles.