Local Motors unveils Strati, the world's first 3D-printed car

Shawn Knight

Posts: 15,240   +192
Staff member

meet strati vehicle car 3d printing 3d printer strati automobile 3d printed car

We’ve seen all sorts of firsts in the years since 3D printer manufacturers began targeting consumers. Now we can add another first to that list – the world’s first 3D-printed vehicle.

It’s called the Strati and it took less than two days to print and assemble – 44 hours, to be exact. It was built by Arizona-based Local Motors during the International Manufacturing Technology Show 2014 in Chicago which runs through Wednesday.

meet strati vehicle car 3d printing 3d printer strati automobile 3d printed car

Key to the vehicle’s creation is the fact that it’s comprised of just 40 parts. For comparison, a typical modern-day vehicle has more than 20,000 components. The Strati is expected to have a top speed of 40 mph with a battery-powered range between 120 and 150 miles.

While the vehicle is considered the first to be 3D-printed, it’s worth pointing out that it isn’t built entirely from printed materials. The chassis, body, seats, dashboard, center console and hood are all 3D-printed according to Local Motors. Items like the tires, wheels, batteries, wiring, suspension, electric motor and windshield were all built using conventional methods.

The company plans to sell its 3D-printed vehicle for between $18,000 and $30,000 later this year depending on which optional features the buyer wants. At that price, I sure hope the car is capable of more than 40 mph.

The upside, however, is that buyers can reuse many of the parts from their original purchase when it comes time for a new vehicle.

Permalink to story.

 
That's insane money for something so flimsy. And it will take a kamikaze to buy one.
 
When (if) gets more mass product, the prices will drop... but until then, premium price...
 
Back