Feb.22, 2014
Local Motors announced this week that it has signed contract with The Association For Manufacturing Technology (AMT) to build its previously announced 3D-printed electric version of the vehicle.
Unlike other auto makers that mass produce their vehicles, Local Motors' vehicles are designed by the company's global community and built using the material science and additive manufacturing techniques available at the Manufacturing Demonstration Facility (MDF) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).
Local Motors will showcase this first direct digital manufactured vehicle at IMTS – The International Manufacturing Technology Show 2014 in Chicago, Illinois, September 8-13, 2014.
"The finished vehicle will be used as an example of how sustainable green technologies can reduce life-cycle energy and greenhouse gas emissions, lower production cost, and create new products and opportunities for high paying jobs." says Local Motors.
Local Motors wants to make customized vehicles more accessible. Its "proprietary open source" car designs are contributed by a community of designers, manufacturers, and enthusiasts participating in open competitions on the Local-Motors Web site. The designs are submitted, evolved, voted on, and critiqued by car fans, designers, and prospective customers.
Using cutting-edge 3D scanners and reverse engineering software Local Motors is able to bring designs to life faster, and more efficiently. In January 2014, Local Motors signed a new partnership with Oak Ridge National Laboratory to develop and deliver technology to produce the world's first production 3D printed vehicle. Researchers will explore making vehicle construction more efficient, including lower production time, costs, and part count, coupled with higher standards of control, safety, aesthetics and mechanical flexibility.
Posted in 3D Printing Applications
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