Local 12 reports on LOCI, a fully 3D printed concept car developed by Berlin-based BigRep. Every component, down to the tires, of this batmobile-looking concept car, have been 3D printed. Indeed, even the largest part of the car, which “measures 1000 x 600 x 700 mm, was fully 3D printed in one piece.”
While LOCI is only a prototype for now, BigRep believes their concept car “can point to the future where vehicles are created in large 3D printing machines instead of standard factories.”
Traditional forms of car manufacture are time-consuming, and entire factories have to be set to create a new car. However, with the wonders of 3D printing, this entire process can be revolutionized.
As BigRep’s Chief Innovation Officer Daniel Buening explains: “the vehicle consists of only 14 3D printed parts. The development, from an idea to a finished project, took only 12 weeks.”
BigRep also envisions further instant personal vehicle customization when 3D printing becomes a vital part of the automobile manufacturing process. Buening elaborates: “tall people could order cars with slightly more head space in the cockpit and people with disabilities could ensure their cars were more suited to their needs. This also means you can design and produce faster. You can print the parts you need on-demand. You can also look at the sustainability aspect: moving spare parts around the world won’t be needed if you produce them locally in the factories instead of flying them across the world.”
Image and Quotes Courtesy of Local 12 and BigRep
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