Vancouver already has several companies involved in 3D printing, including Aspect Biosystems, which is working to develop human tissue using the technology, so could this be their next big project?
A U.S.-based company, Local Motors, has developed a car that the company said is the world’s first automobile that has every piece that is made from a single material to be made by a 3D printer.
“The Urbee [a competitor’s product] is a well-known 3D-printed car body; however, it was printed with only plastic panels and features while relying on a customary internal frame,” Local Motors said.
“Local Motors took every part of the car that wasn’t mechanically involved and printed it in a single shot. We are the first to eliminate a car’s “frame” and integrate all exterior and interior features into a drastically part reduced automotive creation.”
The battery, motor, wiring and suspension are not 3D-printed.
The car takes 44 hours to print. It is made from ABS plastic integrated with carbon fiber and is expected to be fully drivable and street-legal by the end of the year. Local Motors said it is now taking reservations to purchase the car once it is available.
The car was on display at the Detroit Auto Show from January 12-13.
