3D-printers have become a huge phenomenon in our modern-day market as people use them to create all sorts of items. We have begun to use them to create things like body parts such as heart valves, and unique toys. Now, people have gone so far as to begin an era of 3D-printed cars that have road capabilities.
These cars are amazing, to say the least, and it will blow your mind when you see how far technology has come. These vehicles look like something straight out of the future, and yet, this is the world we live in today. Keep reading to learn about ten of the coolest 3D-printed cars!
10 10. Strati
A company in Arizona called Local Motors created this vehicle that was made using a 3D-printer. They printed over 75% of the pieces, but hope to increase this amount to 90%. Their goal was to create a vehicle that had low-maintenance and could recycle broken parts to make new ones.
The company used carbon fiber and ABS plastic and took the engine components from Renault's electric car. They had hoped to make it customizable for the customer as different pieces could be remodeled with a click of a button that would take less time than the generic assembly of vehicles.
9 9. The PUV
This car was created by the Oak Ridge National Laboratory as part of an experiment to test how energy is used in the world around us for different applications, as well as ways to generate it. The main idea was to create a vehicle that could transfer energy between buildings through a wireless connection.
They used carbon fiber and plastic and coated the outside with a special resin for a glossy finish. It runs on natural gas and can only reach a speed of 35 mph, but one day they hope to power both a house and a car with this single printed object.
8 8. Urbee 2
Kor Ecologic is still in the crowdfunding phase of their project to create what they like to call the "greenest car on Earth." They completed their first prototype back in 2013, but since then the projects have come to a screeching halt. They want to create a car that is entirely made of 3D printed parts, including the interior. It is unclear where the project is at this point in time, but we hope to hear some news of their progress in the near future.
7 7. TARC
Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs came up with the idea for this vehicle and managed to gain support from several other local industries to help with this project. They managed to print a 3D car that is entirely electric.
It only travels at a speed of 37 mph, but that is enough to help you find your way to your nearby destination. The frame of the car is made of aluminum, and their goal is to eventually mass-produce this vehicle. It truly is a remarkable feat and we can't wait to see how it does on the market.
6 6. LSEV
This vehicle was made through a partnership between XEV and Polymaker and it was launched back in 2018 during a show in China. It is the first vehicle to be created that has the capabilities of being mass-produced for public consumption.
It only has 57 parts, and everything but the glass, seats, and chassis are made from the printer. They have said it will only cost $7,500 to produce and they have plenty of preorders to make this dream become a reality.
5 5. Areion
This car was created by Formula Group T back in 2012 as part of a student challenge. They tested it on the Hockenheim Race Circuit and they were able to hit 100 km/h in just 4 seconds. It took them only three weeks to come up with the concept and create a finished product.
The students put their own special touches on the vehicle like a sharkskin nose and complex cooling channels. It was amazing what they have accomplished in terms of its design, but the fact that it has been entered in several races is what makes it take the cake.
4 4. The Light Cocoon
This car first debuted back in 2015 at the Geneva Motor Show and it was created by EDAG. They see the future as one filled with tons of 3D-printed cars and plan to make theirs out of carbon fiber materials.
EDAG used nature for inspiration as they incorporated leaves into the design on the car's outer shell. It is said to hold its own in all types of weather and is super light in comparison to other modern-day vehicles. The technology and ingenuity used to make this vehicle are truly amazing as you watch technology create something out of nothing.
3 3. Project M
You have probably heard of the gas station chain called Shell Global, but we will bet you had no idea they came up with their own 3D-printed concept car. It only has 93 printed parts and it can reach a top speed of 97 mph.
Their goal was to build an energy-efficient concept car, even though the idea might take away quite a bit of their business if it is successful. They have no intentions of putting this machine into production, rather, they wanted it to start more conversations about what we could do to help the planet.
2 2. The Blade
This is a 3D-printed supercar by a company called Divergent that has 720 bhp beneath its hood. It was printed using aluminum alloy and aerospace-grade carbon fiber and it is legal to drive on the roadways.
The chassis is even printed and only weighs a measly 102 pounds, which is an astounding accomplishment by this company. The goal of the company is to produce a car using environmentally friendly methods as well as cost-effective measures. It is truly an amazing build and we can't wait to see this bad boy hit the market.
1 1. Bentley Speed 6
Startups aren't the only ones who have gotten involved in the 3D-printed car business. Bentley has decided to take a crack at it with this car they revealed back in 2015 at the Geneva Motor Show.
The entire car wasn't created using a printer, but some of their more costly materials like the metal grills, air vents, exhausts, and door handles. It helped to decrease the cost it took to make the vehicle, while still creating a masterpiece that people would die to have sitting in their garage.