Hot off the press - the World’s first 3D printed car
posted 14 January 2015 at 17:12:35
Visitors at this year’s Detroit Auto Show have been offered
a glimpse into the future of car manufacturing. Arizona-based company Local
Motors has unveiled Strati, their two-seater 3D printed car. The chassis,
frame, body and some interior parts are printed in one shot by a huge FDM
(fused deposition modelling) printer, which churns out layer upon layer of
melted carbon fibre and plastic pellets, and takes 44 hours to print a car. It’s
then fitted with an electric battery, motor and suspension from Renault. According
to co-founder Jay Rogers, by the end of 2015 customers will be able to
choose a design, get it printed and drive their car away – at speeds up to
50mph – all in the space of around a week. The Strati will retail at between US
$18–30K.
Picture: Local Motors Inc.