3D Printed Car

The world’s first (full-size) 3D printed car recently debuted at the 2014 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Known as Strati, it will soon be available for download under a Creative Commons license. Would-be designers can also contribute improvements and modifications to the knowledge base.

The printing process uses fusion deposit modeling (FDM) similar to desktop 3D printers, but instead of a plastic filament extruder, it uses a pellet feed, which is more cost-effective and versatile. The parts are constructed by slicing a shape into layers and depositing a combination of about 80 percent ABS and 20 percent carbon reinforcing fiber slice by slice. There are about 212 layers in the chassis and it takes about 44 hours to print a complete set of body parts.

The power train, suspension and steering components are taken from a Renault Twizzy hybrid. On a full charge, the Strati has a range of about 62 miles and a top speed of 50 miles per hour. Wheels, lights and seats are the only other parts that are not 3D printed.

The company’s sustainable and flexible factory model calls for 100 microfactories to be built over the next ten years, which will provide the services to fabricate and support the Strati and future models.