A Revolution in Real Time

The Slate EV truck hasn’t even hit the roads yet, but it’s already sparking real excitement among makers and car modders. A recent Reddit thread, kicked off by user u/PhilosopherSuperb149, uncovered a goldmine of ideas, feedback, and enthusiasm around how 3D printing could transform the way we personalize vehicles.

Garage tinkerers, seasoned composite builders, and curious onlookers all joined in. Their discussions reveal just how powerful Slate’s open-source design might be for shaping the next wave of do-it-yourself innovation.

Printing the Future, One Body Panel at a Time

User u/PhilosopherSuperb149 has taken 3D printing to the next level. They’ve been producing large body parts like fender flares, wings, and custom panels using a giant printer, then reinforcing them with carbon fiber or fiberglass.

“I’ve been printing large scale parts for my projects (the size of body panels, aero wings, fender flares, etc.) I’m currently laminating fiberglass and carbon fiber to reinforce my plastic printed parts.” – u/PhilosopherSuperb149

With this kind of tech, the idea of printing a unique widebody kit or custom bumper starts to sound a lot more real. The goal? Not just to copy factory parts, but to produce new designs on demand for different users and use cases.

Strength vs. Style: What Works and What Doesn’t

u/fatyungjesus raised some fair concerns about durability. While 3D printing is amazing for prototyping, finished parts face challenges like heat, sun exposure, and wear. Traditional methods like compression molding still win when it comes to strength and surface quality.

“3D printing is already in use for prototyping, molding, and other facets of the part production process, but there’s some pretty solid reasons it’s not the best for finished parts.” – u/fatyungjesus

u/Thundela added that while laminated prints can work for prototypes, they won’t match the quality of fully molded composite parts. Still, it’s a great option for testing designs quickly and affordably.

“You’ll typically get pretty mediocre surface quality this way, but it’s a lot less work than creating molds with good surface. Especially if you just need to reinforce a prototype.” – u/Thundela

Mass Production Isn’t the Point

Slate is designed to be simple and utilitarian. That makes it a great fit for people who want to experiment and build things without dealing with complicated systems. Instead of trying to mass produce a part, users like u/PhilosopherSuperb149 are focused on customization and agility.

“My goal is to explore what could happen if instead of mass producing identical parts, what if I could produce personalized parts every time.”

For example, they’ve printed a custom eFoil board based on their exact specs. The idea of printing car parts for individual users isn’t just possible—it’s already happening.

Platforms, Files, and Scanners: Tools of the Trade

As u/popsicle_of_meat pointed out, websites like Thingiverse, Cults3D, and Makerworld make it easy to share and download designs. The hard part is creating those designs in the first place, especially without access to accurate car geometry.

That’s where scanning comes in. u/fatyungjesus recommended the Creality RaptorX scanner, calling it a game-changer for small creators. It’s not perfect, but it helps bridge the gap between physical cars and digital designs.

“When you can scan all of that directly, you can produce a part that fits”

Want More Slate Innovation?

• Read about the Slate vs Ford Maverick comparison
• Explore the first look at Slate’s 3D parts strategy
• Follow ongoing updates and community projects at SlateRides.com

Final Thoughts

Slate may be a small startup for now, but it’s already proving that open-source vehicles can unlock big innovation. With accessible tech, community creativity, and a simple platform to build from, Slate could lead a new kind of automotive culture—one where anyone with a printer and an idea can take part.

Have an idea for a 3D printed Slate part? Start building, scanning, and sharing. And don’t forget to tag us at SlateRides.com to get featured.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I 3D print real parts for the Slate truck?

Yes, many Slate enthusiasts are already printing widebody kits, interior modules, and functional mods using large-format printers and reinforced materials.

Is Slate Auto supporting open-source mods?

Yes, Slate has already released files like the Slatelet dash clip and plans to continue sharing design resources to encourage community innovation.

Are 3D printed car parts safe for long-term use?

They can be, but it depends on the material and application. Structural or load-bearing parts are not recommended yet. Interior mods, body panels, and fairings are more viable.

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