Based in Harmony, PA., HV3DWorks is an automotive restoration company specializing in the state-of-the-art technology behind 3D printing and part scanning.
Led by President/CEO Paul Vorbach, the company is making waves within the U.S. auto industry – recently featured in an article by the
New York Times and named one of the country’s Top 20 Restorers by Sports Car Market Magazines in 2018.
When it pertains to older “classic” cars, the integral parts that keep them running are often hard to come by, which drives up the prices for creating and distributing replacements. However, the 3D printing and part scanning services of HV3DWorks provide an alternative (and cheaper) method for car owners and manufacturers.
The science of HV3DWorks’ 3D printing and part scanning is revolutionizing the auto manufacturing industry, and surprisingly, the basics behind it aren’t very complex. First, Vorbach formulates a digital file of a specific auto part via light/laser-scanning technology or traditional measurements.
“The core piece of what we do is either reproducing a rare or needed piece for an automotive restoration, or working with a client to create a specialized piece for a car customization where someone wants a part that is unique,” said Vorbach. “The technology of 3D printing allows for small-run types of manufacturing to be done at an affordable price point.”
After the file is completed, he sends it to a 3D printing facilitator, who then manufactures a physical version of the part. Most parts are aluminum, steel, plastic, carbon-fiber or even prototypes of multiple materials. The whole process can usually be completed within a month’s turnaround.
“The core piece of what we do is either reproducing a rare or needed piece for an automotive restoration, or working with a client to create a specialized piece for a car customization where someone wants a part that is unique,” said Vorbach. “The technology of 3D printing allows for small-run types of manufacturing to be done at an affordable price point.”
HV3DWorks has created parts for a wide range of cars – from classic 1939 Hudsons to million-dollar Mercedes and Alfa Romeos – and works with international clients as far as Australia and South America. But the company’s impact on the auto restoration industry can be felt here at home, too.
In one instance, a client was in need of parts for a car participating in the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance – widely known as one of the most prominent car shows on the planet. HV3DWorks was there to help.
“There were some parts that had been lost,” Vorbach said. “The (client) was able to get ahold of one example, but he needed four of them. He sent it up to me. We modeled. We created it, and sent it down to him. We also did the radiator cap for the car, and the thing ended up winning its class and has won several other shows since.
“It’s quite a prestigious honor to be invited there, and then to go ahead and get a win out of that was really terrific.”
Vorbach, who currently operates HV3DWorks as a one man show in conjunction with outside facilitators, can envision future sustained growth for the company through potential investment funding. Following the New York Times piece, Vorbach was invited to speak at a large mobility conference in London next February – which will further increase HV3DWorks’ presence within the world’s auto restoration industry.
“It’s all about continuing to prove that it works, prove that you can do it, and prove that there’s a market for it,” he said.
Visit the HV3DWorks website
http://hv3dworks.com/ for more information on 3D printing, part scanning, and the benefits of auto restoration.