14 DAY TRIAL // 3D printing technology has already been used to make cars, but one, turtle-like vehicle that hasn't even been outfitted with the motor and other electrical parts doesn't really count as a full car. These things, however, do.
Well, maybe not, because they're not actually physical. At least not yet. You see, the image gallery consists of the winning designs of the 3D Printed Car Design Challenge launched by Local Motors back in April.
There will be a very big car show in September in Chicago, Illinois. The latest edition of the International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) will take place from September 8 to 13.
There, Local Motors will put on display at least seven cars whose frames will be entirely 3D printed. It goes to show how the technology has won people over.
Of course, that was already well known, considering that even the most critical steel elements in building projects are being 3D printed now. Or at least will be soon enough.
That's not as important to the matter at hand as the EDAG Genesis turtle-shaped car, however, the car frame we saw back in early March this year.
Back then, it seemed like durability was one of the main goals. It was, after all, supposed to be a racing car frame. Now, though, we're looking at something closer to home. More down-to-Earth as it were.
There's no point in 3D printing technology bringing cost, customization, and fast time-to-market benefits if the common man doesn't get to enjoy them after all.
So here we are, beholding the seven best projects submitted to Local Motors by the participants in the 3D Printed Car Design Challenge.
Six of them were chosen by the Local Motors judges, while the seventh was selected based on the public's preferences/
The “Strati” is the biggest winner of them all. Created by Michele Anoé from Italy, it has a rugged look, thanks to the varying angles on it. The seats (also 3D printed) are removable, customizable too for the driver and passengers. It was deemed to possess “excellent balance between innovation, complexity (good 3D lines) and practicality (retractable roof),” according to one of the judges, Dr. Lonnie Love.
The prize earned the designer $5,000 / €3,664, plus a ticket for free attendance at IMTS, where Local Motors will print the car. That's right, it seems the company wants to print the thing live, instead of just bringing the finished product there. Makes sense too, since the show is supposed to be a place where 3D printing technologies and models can be demoed.
