Since 1903, Harley-Davidson has produced the most enduring and recognizable motorcycles in the world.  The motorcycle defined Harley-Davidson and there is no motorcycle that has the look, sound, and feel of a Harley.   Harley also has a wide range of other products and services to offer including: genuine motorcycle parts and accessories, apparel, branded merchandise, and personalized options for their bikes. 

Harley’s designers and engineers have an 11,000-square-foot-design studio and model shop where they work with drawing boards, clay, wood and plastic to take the first step into a motorcycle design.  Until recently, designers relied on outside sources and an internal workshop to create models – a process that was time consuming, lacked precision, and ultimately delayed their ability to communicate designs.

After an extensive analysis of technologies, Mike Bunger selected the Dimension 3D Printer to create functional models out of durable ABS plastic.  The shop uses their 3D printer, purchased and supported by Graphics Systems Corporation, to build or “print” the parts directly from their 3D CAD models.

“It has been doing a much better job of making representative parts and has that cosmetic look that we are looking for.  The Dimension 3D printer allows us to make quick prototypes while checking our design and function all within the same week.”

Mike Bunger, Harley-Davidson

Outsourcing a prototype takes days or weeks, and can cost more than $400.  A 3D Dimension printer can create the same prototype in just hours – for $5 or even less.  It now takes the shop a few hours to build a 0.050-in.-diameter part, while a floor board pan can go to 18 hours. 

Dimension 3D printing can help you quickly fine tune designs and cut weeks - even months - from your development schedule.  Dimension’s ability to produce quick, inexpensive models made of ABS plastic allows designers to efficiently model multiple concepts right from their desktop.  Now you can test form, fit, and function and explore as many design iterations as you like.