[ad_1]
The world’s first 3D-printed car will be available to pre-order in the spring.
Local Motors this week unveiled the LM3D Swim(Opens in a new window), which was designed by Kevin Lo(Opens in a new window), winner of Local Motors’s Project Redacted challenge earlier this year.
“In the past few months our engineers have moved from only a rendering to the car you see in front of you today,” Local Motors CEO Jay Rogers said in a statement. “We are using the power of DDM [direct digital manufacturing] to create new vehicles at a pace unparalleled in the auto industry, and we’re thrilled to begin taking orders on 3D-printed cars next year.”
The technology firm plans to unveil several LM3D series models over the next year, while at the same time pursuing federal crash testing and highway certifications. And while pre-sales of the $53,000 automobiles should begin next spring, delivery of the vehicles isn’t expected until early 2017.
“Local Motors engineers and designers are working around the clock to develop a 3D-printed car that exceeds FMVSS [Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards] standards by 2017,” the company said. “Our goal is to make 3D-printed cars safer than traditionally manufactured cars.”
All LM3D series cars will be built in a new Local Motors microfactory in Knoxville, Tennessee.
About 75 percent of the car will be 3D printed—80 percent ABS plastic and 20 percent carbon fiber. “Our goal is to consolidate as much of the traditional bill of materials into a single, 3D-printed piece as possible, eventually making about 90 percent of the car using 3D-printing. Nearly all of the body panels and chassis are 3D printed on the LM3D,” Local Motors said.
Local Motors is also responsible for Domino’s new DXP (Delivery Expert) vehicle. The revamped Chevy Spark features an illuminated warming oven behind the driver’s door to keep food toasty, and storage areas throughout. Three years in the making, Domino’s DXP started with the Ultimate Delivery Vehicle Challenge hosted by Local Motors, which fielded 385 design entries from around the world—including Swim creator Lo.
[ad_2]
Source link : https://www.pcmag.com/news/pre-order-this-3d-printed-car-now