Local Motors Prints Out A 3D Car

As the concept of 3D printing gains more and more popularity around the world, a certain car manufacturer has set its eyes on the idea for developing its newest model. Local Motors introduced a contest for communities to submit designs for parts of its new electric vehicle, which it will create by 3D printing a working model. The design is almost entirely formulated by community submissions, and the printing of the final car will be finished by September, 2014.

Read Also: Everything You Need To Know About 3D Printing

The Contest And The Winner

Since the month of May, Local Motors has been reviewing propositions by designers around the world. The winner was announced in the beginning of June along with many runner-ups. The introductory models for the winning design are already in the process of being printed out by Local Motors, one has even been given a drive test.

The Parts That Will Be Printed

Obviously, not every part of a working car can be made from 3D printing. The parts that will be printed though, will incorporate the body of the vehicle mostly. This means that the new vehicle would see a lot of unique designs, inspired by the winning submission. The inputs of runner-ups will be put in here and there as well.

Introducing The Strati

The electric car in question is named Strati, and will feature the perfect emulsion of complex elements wound into a practical design for its body. Equipped with a retractable roof, the car will have an internal strut frame that will support its upper parts. This will help in lowering the overall weight immensely, while still maintaining the sturdiness of the car.

Inspired By Bird Wings

The Strati will be constructed from a singular body piece which greatly mimics the internal structure of a bird’s wing. Because 3D printing seems to be giving Local Motors some problems in bridging horizontal gaps, the Aeroblade will be used in place of it to install vertical structures that give support to the higher parts.