The scores of new cars on show at the North American International Auto Show come from factories around the world, but there’s only one that comes right off the show floor.
Local Motors is pioneering a 3D-printing technology in collaboration with Oak Ridge National Laboratory that squeezes carbon-reinforced ABS plastic through an ink-jet like nozzle so, bit-by-bit, an entire car chassis can be created. The carbon fibre gives the plastic a lot more strength.
Once printed, the body is milled and polished so it’s smooth and then it’s ready for the wheels, electrics and steering and motor to be attached. Local Motors is sourcing those from the Renault Twizy, an electric-powered city car produced by the French car maker.
The process enables prototypes to be created much faster than with traditional fabrication technologies and is cheaper for small runs, Local Motors said.
The Arizona-based company hopes to begin commercial production of cars this year and is building micro-factories in Knoxville, Tennessee, and in National Harbor, near Washington DC.
The company’s Strati concept took about 70km per hour to be printed and consists of about 1,100 pounds of plastic, which costs about $5 per pound.
In a test ride at the Detroit Motor Show of a car printed before the show began, the Strati proved to have quick acceleration. The car’s battery has a range of between 64 and 96km depending on conditions.
IDG News Service
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