Video: How Ford Turns 2D into 3D

Ford is developing a proprietary metal forming process that is revolutionizing the way it prototypes. Called Ford Freeform Fabrication Technology (F3T), it can reduce prototyping costs, and corporate accountants enjoy that.

By foregoing the mold-building process in order to stamp a one-off piece of sheet steel, F3T simply takes a 2D sheet of metal and forms it into a 3D part. This shortens prototype delivery times to three business days. Conventional prototype delivery times range from eight to 26 weeks. That means cool concept vehicles like the Ford Atlas can go from thought to physical reality much sooner, and enthusiasts enjoy that.

No other car company has this technology, but it will be interesting to see what other companies can dream up.