European racing teams are using 3D printing to improve the engine performance of their cars. A new engine cylinder head is manufactured using SLM selective laser melt additive manufacturing technology.

The surface cooling area of the cylinder head is significantly increased and vibration and weight are reduced by a selective laser melting scheme. The result was a 66% reduction in cylinder head weight, from 5,095 grams to 1,755 grams, and a reduction in volume, from 1,887 cubic centimeters to 650 cubic centimeters. The surface area of the cylinder head increased from 823 sq cm to 6,052 sq cm, mainly through the lattice structure brought about by the complex organization, which brings more efficient cooling performance, and cooling performance is crucial to the performance of the car.