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3D-Printed Car Takes Its First Test Drive

Posted by samzenpus on from the print-and-drive dept.

An anonymous reader points out this advancement in 3D printing. This week, at the International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) in Chicago, Arizona-based automobile manufacturer Local Motors stole the show. Over the six day span of the IMTS, the company managed to 3D print and assemble an entire automobile, called the "Strati," live in front of spectators. Although the Strati is not the first ever car to be 3D printed, the advancements made by Local Motors with help from Cincinnati Inc, and Oak Ridge National Laboratory, have produced a vehicle in days rather than months.

5 of 132 comments (clear)

  1. it's means it is by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Informative

    Nobody 3D printed an entire car here. Just a stupid body shell, it's obvious the actual car, you know, the chassis, motor, tires, the *real* stuff, was made in an old Luddite factory.

    Idiots.

    1. Re:it's means it is by SternisheFan · · Score: 2, Informative
      I'm insane? My mother said that to me once, but just once. ;^)

      You're insane if you think someone's able to completely print a car from plastic. You're taking this headline too literally. If the headline was "Man lands on the moon", would you complain that he used a rocket ship instead of jumping? Now give this subtopic a rest, the body and some parts were 3D printed successfully enough to create a drivable car. Here's another link to the story, and an excerpt:

      Michele Anoe of Italy submitted the Strati design, which calls for the car's body to be 3-D printed in a single piece -- an approximate 44-hour process. The 3-D printed car is made from ABS plastic that has been infused with carbon fiber. Local Motors said it believes it is the first company to ever attempt to print both the body and chassis components of a vehicle together, although others have built cars before using a 3-D printing process. After the vehicle was printed, Local Motors said it outfitted the car with mechanical components, such as motors, wiring, suspension and a battery. http://ktar.com/265/1766488/3D...

  2. It's First Test Drive by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Informative

    It's First Test Drive

    Sigh.

  3. Grammar by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Informative

    3D-Printed Car Takes It's First Test Drive

    should be

    3D-Printed Car Takes Its First Test Drive

    "It's" is a contraction for "It is". "Its" is a possessive pronoun. Please correct your mistake.

  4. I wish tech writers were more honest by MpVpRb · · Score: 4, Informative

    Yes, it's a cool demo..congratulations to a bunch of cool engineers

    No, it's not a 3D printed car

    At best, it's a crudely 3D printed body shell over traditionally made parts

    There is no 3D printing tech available now that can print a ball bearing..or gears..or springs..or a motor