The 3D car that assembles itself
3D printing is being used worldwide for a variety of applications, ranging from architecture to prosthetic limbs to weapon design.
The Areion, a racing car which was built using 3D-printed components, debuted last year. The car is able to reach a top speed of 88mph, going from 0 to 62mph in 3.2 seconds, and the steel chassis is protected within a 3D shell which took only three weeks to construct. However, vehicle designer Nir Siegel wants to go a step further by creating 3D-printed cars that assemble themselves.
Siegel's Genesis concept imagines a world where a car buyer would be delivered a specialized 3D printer at home -- which can then print out a vehicle which matches the buyer's specifications.
Siegel studied vehicle design at the Royal College of Art in London, and has recently earned a Pilkington Design Award for the Genesis. One of the judges, Mike Greenall, director of automotive R&D programmes at NSG Group said:
"The increased pressure to produce economical, environmentally-friendly designs has led students to identify innovative glazing and innovative design that are set to shape the future of the automotive industry."
Read More: NIR
Image credit: Nir Siegel
Related:
- Areion: The 3D printed racer which reaches 88mph
- 10 strange uses for 3D printing
- Dutch architect to build ‘endless’ 3D printed house
- ‘Magic arms’ 3D printed exoskeleton nominated for design award
This post was originally published on Smartplanet.com