Porsche has developed a 3D-printed full bucket seat for use in models such as the 911 and Cayman. The central section of the seat, parts of the cushion and backrest surfaces are produced using a 3D printer, and they are available in three different rigidity grades, meaning the seat can be customized to suit the customer’s specific needs.
“Seats adapted to individual drivers have been available for a long time in professional motorsport. Now Porsche also offers a road-approved customization with different rigidity grades as standard,” said Porsche test driver Lars Kern.
“During the initial test drives, I was impressed by the ergonomics – the slightly lower seat position and improved thigh support are similar to what you get from the seat in a racing car. The passive ventilation is impressive too.” Compared to Porsche’s conventional full bucket seats, the new seat is also more than 8% lighter.
The seat is based on Porsche’s existing lightweight full bucket seat and features a sandwich construction: a base support made from expanded polypropylene (EPP) is bonded to a breathable comfort layer consisting of a mixture of polyurethane-based materials made using additive manufacturing.
The components are clipped together; Porsche notes that this joining technology means that the seat generates no emissions associated with adhesives. The outer skin of the seat is made of Race-Tex, a non-slip material that offers support in the seat and whose unique perforated surface enables improved passive ventilation.
