Ever since the American automotive company Local Motors has unveiled its first 3D printed car Strati at the IMTS last year, they have been further looking into possibilities this technology opens up for the automotive industry.
Having 3D printed Strati’s chassis within 44 hours using a carbon-fibre-filled thermoplastic, they are currently testing flexible materials such as NinjaFlex and SemiFlex. They company hopes to use these materials for crash structures such as bumpers in order to minimise the impact on the vehicle. Additionally, they are considering 3D printing interior fittings like dashboard covers or seats. To create strong yet rigid parts of the vehicle, NinjaFlex could also be combined with carbon-fibre enhanced ABS materials.
A series of tests has recently started. Following video was published by the company on YouTube:
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