In the near future, a real revolution may take place in the car building - traditional assembly lines will replace 3D printers. All the prerequisites for such expectations are already in place: Local Motors has released an experimental car, created using 3D printing technology.
The American automotive company Local Motors, which specializes in the implementation of conceptual and premium projects, decided to revolutionize the car market and introduced the LM3D. The leading feature of the new sports car is that it can be created almost entirely using 3D printing technology.
A car assembled using the new technology may appear in 2016, and if this happens, three-dimensional printing will take an important place in the automotive industry. About 75% of LM3D designs and parts are 3D printed. High quality ABS plastic and carbon fiber were used as the main materials. Both of these materials are highly durable, reliable and relatively inexpensive. It is also important that both of them are easily disposed of if necessary.
The sporty LM3D is a bit like a buggy. The car was created on the basis of the Mazda Miata convertible. Designer Kevin Lowe was the author of the conceptual project. In addition to using revolutionary assembly methods, the new car is also electric. Details on the technical specifications have not yet been disclosed. Local Motors made it clear that the car is still experimental. Target serial production of LM3D should only begin in 2017. Up to this point, the creators of the car want to bring the share of "printed" parts to 90%.
It is worth mentioning another, so far "experimental" merit of cars like the LM3D. The main thing that its creators want to achieve is the high interchangeability of parts and design elements. 3D printed cars are expected to be much better repaired by swift replacement of parts. Also, designers want to endow their creations with the ability to change the body design at the request of the owner, while maintaining all the filling.
It is worth noting that innovative printing methods are becoming more and more active in human life. Of particular interest are TOP 10 new products and concepts for home printingwhich will soon make it possible to abandon traditional printers.