Toyota 4Runner Miniature Camera Dolly Debut

A 3D-printed Toyota 4Runner was used for the first time at the 2025 Toyota National Swimming Championships to film the event. The miniature 4Runner, weighing about 30 pounds, was designed from the same computer models as the real vehicle and took 15 days to print using a Stratasys F900 printer. It was printed in two pieces and has over 3,000 layers. The 4Runner was used on a camera dolly to capture footage of the swimming championships.

Toyota has made significant strides in the realm of additive manufacturing, showcasing its commitment to innovation and efficiency. At the 2025 Toyota National Swimming Championships, a 3D-printed Toyota 4Runner was used for the first time on a camera dolly to capture the event [1]. This miniature 4Runner, weighing about 30 pounds, was designed from the same computer models used for the real vehicle and took 15 days to print using a Stratasys F900 printer [1].

The 3D-printed 4Runner, measuring over four feet bumper to bumper, was printed in two pieces and consists of over 3,000 layers. The miniature vehicle was created at the Toyota Production Engineering Manufacturing Center (PEMC) and involved contributions from various engineering teams, including Stamping Engineering, Additive Lab, and Paint Materials Engineering [1]. This collaborative effort highlights Toyota's ability to integrate advanced technologies into its manufacturing processes.

Toyota's increasing reliance on industrial 3D printing is part of a broader strategy to enhance production efficiency and flexibility. The company has been collaborating with Stratasys for over a decade, utilizing various 3D printers to produce tools, fixtures, and prototypes more quickly [2]. This partnership has enabled Toyota to reduce reliance on external suppliers and minimize procurement lead times.

The Toyota Add Lab, opened in early 2023, plays a crucial role in this initiative. Engineers at the lab develop customized tools and fixtures that offer ergonomic and safety advantages. According to Dallas Martin, an Additive Manufacturing Engineer at Toyota North America, the lab allows for rapid prototyping, with digital sketches transformed into functional parts within a single day [2]. This speed enables Toyota to implement safer solutions and continuously improve its production processes.

The use of 3D printing in the Toyota production process has led to tangible benefits. For instance, a door assembly fixture was made lighter and more ergonomic, while a custom window adjustment fixture reduced a multi-person task to a single-person operation [2]. These examples illustrate how additive manufacturing can deliver meaningful operational improvements.

Stratasys, the technology provider, views Toyota's approach as a prime example of how leading manufacturers can leverage additive manufacturing to enhance production flexibility and adaptability. The partnership demonstrates how 3D printing can make production processes more efficient and enable on-site adjustments to meet changing requirements [2].

In conclusion, Toyota's innovative use of 3D printing at the 2025 National Swimming Championships underscores its commitment to technological advancement and operational efficiency. By integrating additive manufacturing into its production processes, Toyota is setting a new standard for industry leaders.

References:
[1] https://pressroom.toyota.com/3d-printed-4runner-makes-debut-at-national-swimming-championships/
[2] https://www.3printr.com/toyota-increasingly-relies-on-industrial-3d-printing-solutions-from-stratasys-1083012/