Porsche utilises 3D-printing to build bucket seats

Porsche is revolutionising sporty seating with an innovative alternative to conventional bucket seat upholstery.

The new seat utilises 3D-printed bodyform materials to deliver increased driver-specific seat fitting and a wider choice of comfort levels.

The '3D-printed bodyform full-bucket seat' is based on the lightweight full-bucket seat from Porsche and utilises a sandwich construction to manufacture its base support. The base is made from expanded polypropylene and is bonded to a breathable comfort layer consisting of a mixture of polyurethane-based materials made using a 3D-printer.

The outer skin of the concept seat meanwhile, is made from 'Racetex', a high-quality microfibre material partially consisting of recycled polyester fibres, and features a perforation pattern for improved breathability.

Window panels on the backrest provide a view of exposed coloured components and the 3D-printed lattice structure, and also give the full-bucket seat an unmistakable design.

The new bucket seat will be available from Porsche Tequipment as a driver's seat for the 911 and 718 ranges from as early as May 2020. The range will initially be limited to 40 seat prototypes for use on race tracks in Europe in combination with a six-point seat belt.

Street-legal versions of the seats, available in three different firmness levels and colours, will be available ex-works from the Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur from mid-2021. Porsche will explore offering fully personalised solutions if sufficient customers express an interest in the new seating concept.