Abstract: Taking the car air conditioning switch base sample by 3D printed as object, to make samples using 3D printing technology.The feasibility of the 3D printing sample in the trial-manufacture of auto parts new products is discussed.The difference of technological process between the 3D printing and injection molding Off Tooling Samples(OTS)samples is comparative analyzed, the characteristics of the model free manufacturing for 3D printing sample are reflected.Referring to relevant national and industry standards of QC/T 15—1992 “general test method for automotive plastics products”, etc.Combining material strength theory, the mechanical properties and heat resistance of the 3D printing samples have been verified by experiment.Analyzing the experiment results, the difference of properties in tensile, bending, impact finding was found between 3D printing samples and OTS samples as well as normal ABS plastic.The results show that, the 3D printing samples still have a certain gap in tensile, bending, impact compared with the OTS sample.Finally, 3D printing samples for appearance effect evaluation, process validation, size and function verification in the new product development process are proposed.

Key words: air conditioning switch base, 3D printing, OTS samples, process, performance test