World's first 3D-printed car being live printed, assembled at IMTS

Chicago, Illinois – Local Motors is attempting to assemble the first 3D-printed car at the six-day IMTS – International Manufacturing Technology Show in Chicago.

The Chandler, Ariz., company will print out the vehicle over 44 hours, rapidly assemble it, and drive it out of the convention center on Sept. 13.

Called the Strati, the vehicle will be 3D printed in one piece using direct digital manufacturing (DDM), which is the first time this method has been used to make a car. Mechanical components, like battery, motor, wiring, and suspension, are sourced from different suppliers, including Renault’s Twizy, a line of electric-powered city cars.

“The Strati was designed by our community, made in our Microfactory, and will be driven by you,” said John B. Rogers, Jr., CEO of Local Motors. “This brand-new process disrupts the manufacturing status quo, changes the consumer experience, and proves that a car can be born in an entirely different way.”

The innovative vehicle uses the material science and advanced manufacturing techniques pioneered at the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Manufacturing Demonstration Facility at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

Local Motors is using a Big Area Additive Manufacturing (BAAM) machine from Cincinnati Inc. to produce the vehicle.

“The deposition rate of 40 lb per hour of carbon reinforced ABS plastic and the large size mean that large parts, like a car, can be produced using additive technology,” said Andrew Jamison, CEO of Cincinnati Inc.

Local Motors plans to launch production-level 3D-printed vehicles that will be available to the general public for purchase in the months following the show.

Source: Local Motors