3D Manufacturing Breakthrough
The Strati is the world’s first 3D printed car. It’s a two-seater that took 45 hours to build and is a “runabout” neighborhood car with a range of 120 miles and a top speed of 45 mph. The car is made from just 49 pieces, while the average for the industry is 5,000 to 6,000 pieces, and reminds one a bit of Flintstones cars: simple but functional, though significantly more stylish.
The car was built by Jay Rogers, CEO of Local Motors, and his team. The Strati was unveiled last week at the International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) in Chicago. Local Motors did not directly design the car but called for ideas from its online community.
The project was launched a year and a half ago with the goal of simplifying car design and using a new process called “Direct Digital Manufacturing” (DDM). By requesting workable 3-D car designs, the company received over 200 submissions, finally choosing Italian Michelle Anoe’s design. The car can now be now be manufactured anywhere, by anyone, with an undisclosed agreement and royalties to Local Motors.
In addition to 3-D printing, the company used “subtractive machining” to get the final product.
The following video shows a time lapse of the car being printed.
The following video explains how the submitted design was adapted to the car frame and 3D printing system.
Related articles on IndustryTap:
- Robotic 3D Printing to Simplify Space-Based Construction
- UPS Rolling Out 3D Printing Services
- 3D Printing Company Stratasys Reports 67% Jump In Quarterly Revenue!
References and related content:
- 3D Printing Can Now Re-create an Entire Classic Car – Popular Mechanics
- Are 3D-printed cars the next big thing? – CBS News
- Futuristic 3D printed car took 44 hours to complete | Daily Mail Online
