3D printing has come such a long way that 3D printed cars are now a reality. This was demonstrated in the most dramatic way possible by the live printing of the Local Motors Strati 3D car at the International Manufacturing Technology Show. The entire printing process was completed in just 44 hours, and carried out as part of the 3D Printed Car Design Challenge organized by crowdsource automotive firm Local Motors.
The Local Motors Strati 3D car is the first purely 3D printed car as every single part of the vehicle that doesn't have a mechanical function was 3D printed, unlike previous 3D printed vehicles such as 2010's Urbee.
With the project also marking the first time that the main section of a car was printed in one piece via direct digital manufacturing, we may be edging closer to a world where production 3D printed cars are a reality.
3D Printed Cars
The Local Motors Strati 3D Car Was Printed In 44 Hours Flat
Trend Themes
1. 3D Printed Cars - Production of 3D printed cars could soon become a reality with the technological advancements in 3D printing.
2. Direct Digital Manufacturing - The ability to print the main section of a car in one piece could be a disruptive innovation opportunity for the manufacturing industry.
3. Crowdsourced Automotive Design - Crowdsourcing could be utilized to improve the design process for 3D printed cars and create more innovative designs.
Industry Implications
1. Automotive Manufacturing - 3D printing technology could revolutionize the automotive manufacturing industry by enabling customized and cost-effective production.
2. Additive Manufacturing - Advancements in 3D printing technology suggest a significant disruption opportunity for the additive manufacturing industry.
3. Crowdsourcing - Crowdsourcing is expected to help create more innovative and efficient solutions in automotive manufacturing by incorporating feedback from a larger, more diverse audience.