Bugatti Tests its First 3D-printed Brake Caliper

Bugatti hypercars will soon have lighter and stronger brakes, with the company testing its first 3D-printed brake caliper. Bugatti recently posted a video of a test in which braking speeds as high as 249MPH were simulated.

The brake disc reached temperatures up to 1,877F at that speed and while there were plenty of flames and sparks, the calipers proved to be as good as those that are conventionally made. It is expected that eventually, the 3D-printed calipers would be used in Chiron and Divo, where their lighter weight and higher strength can help to make the models more agile and reduce the braking distance.

Making 3D-printed calipers is not an easy task. 45 hours is the time needed to melt and shape titanium with the help of four lasers. The expense and time involved is worth it in the case of calipers meant for a pricy hypercar that will be sold in very small numbers, but is not feasible for mass production vehicles. Bugatti’s next goal is to speed up production so that these 3D-calipers can be produced in volume. In case that can be done, it might be possible to make these calipers for more affordable cars.