What Is 3D Printing (and Why We Use It for Our Dash Rail Accessories)
If you’ve spent any time checking out our products, you’ve probably noticed that a lot of our accessories are 3D printed. It’s something we’re proud of — but we also get plenty of questions about it: What exactly is 3D printing? Why use it instead of traditional manufacturing? And does it really hold up?
Let’s dig in.
So, What Is 3D Printing?
3D printing, or additive manufacturing, is exactly what it sounds like — instead of cutting, shaping, or machining a part out of a solid block of material, 3D printing builds that part layer by layer. A spool of filament (usually a high-strength plastic or composite) is fed through a heated nozzle that lays down each layer in precise patterns. Over time, those layers stack up to form a solid, functional object — no molds, no casting, no wasted material.
Think of it like a super-precise hot glue gun guided by a robot — one that can turn a digital design into a physical product in just a few hours.
3D Printed Extension Arms
Why Buck Rails 3D Prints Our Accessories
When we started designing parts for our dash rail systems, we wanted flexibility, precision, and durability. 3D printing checked all those boxes — and then some.
Here’s why:
Design Freedom
3D printing lets us create complex shapes and custom fits that would be difficult or even impossible with traditional machining or injection molding. Every dash, mount, and clip we make can be tailored perfectly to the Bronco’s interior and our rail system — down to the millimeter.
Rapid Prototyping
We can go from idea to finished part in hours instead of weeks. That means when inspiration hits (or when a customer suggests a new accessory), we can test, tweak, and perfect the design quickly. No waiting on tooling or expensive molds.
Durability and Material Strength
We use high-quality, engineering-grade filaments that are incredibly strong, UV-resistant, and temperature-tolerant. These aren’t fragile trinkets — they’re designed to handle real-world use, from summer heat to off-road vibrations.
Less Waste, More Sustainability
Traditional manufacturing often involves cutting away material, leaving scraps behind. With 3D printing, we only use what’s needed for the part — making it more efficient and environmentally friendly.
Made in the USA
Because we print everything in-house, we maintain full control over quality and production. No outsourcing, no waiting on shipments, no compromises.
3D Printed Sunglasses Clip
The Result: Accessories That Fit, Function, and Look Right
3D printing allows us to bring ideas to life fast, refine them based on real feedback, and deliver parts that are as clean and functional as the vehicles they’re built for. It’s not just a manufacturing method — it’s a design philosophy.
At the end of the day, we use 3D printing because it helps us stay nimble, innovative, and obsessive about quality. Every mount, clip, and accessory we design is built to work seamlessly with your Buck Rails setup — and look good doing it.
3D Printed Chapstick Clip
This is just the beginning. We’ve got a steady stream of fresh 3D printed ideas rolling off the printers — so stay tuned, because the next Buck Rails accessory might just be your new favorite piece of gear.
