HOLLYWOOD, MD — Imagine being able to create your next dream vehicle that is environmentally friendly and customized to your life. 

Local Motors is reinventing your wheels with 3D printed vehicles. The company is estimating to have models ready for lease by 2018.

The process of creating the vehicle was explained by Jacqueline Keidel, Local Motors public relations manager.

“First, engineers enter the design into software. The software then directs the 3D printer on what to print. After the vehicle is fully printed, it is transferred to a thermwood router for machining and smoothing. The body is then placed on a drive train,” said Keidel.

The current materials involved in creating the vehicle is a mix of ABS plastic and carbon fiber, said Keidel.

“However, our materials engineers are testing other possibilities. Certain parts of the car cannot be 3D printed, such as bolts, electrical wiring and tires. So there is some metal in the vehicle, but not in the body,” said Keidel.

These vehicles will be electric, so the maintenance required of traditional electric vehicles (EVs) will also be required for 3D-printed vehicles. With the amount of testing going into the production of these vehicles, the company hopes to make these vehicles safer than traditional cars, said Keidel.

“We are currently conducting testing to prepare the vehicle for highway ready certification. However, vehicles that weigh less are safer in accidents than heavier vehicles. This is certainly a plus for the 3D-printed car. Self-driving technology is also something that could make the vehicles safer than traditional cars,” said Keidel.

Keidel mentioned that Local Motors hopes to make the experience of using their vehicles simple and smart.

“The company would like to include cognitive technologies that allow the vehicle to interact with its passengers. Our vehicles are simple because they are built using additive and direct digital manufacturing. Making changes to the vehicles doesn’t require us to retool an entire factory,” said Keidel.

Local Motors has changed the vehicle’s characteristics in their software, said Keidel.

“3D-printed vehicles are also simple because they can be melted down and reprinted, making them fully recyclable. The vehicles are smart because Local Motors will equip them with IoT technology that allows the vehicle to interact with passengers. Due to our manufacturing strategies, vehicles can be brought back to LocalMotors for technology updates when new innovations become available,” said Keidel.

Environmental issues should be one reason community members should look to invest in 3D printed technology, said Keidel.

“The vehicles are recyclable and reduce waste. We also reduce waste in our micro-factories through our use of additive manufacturing. 3D-printed vehicles also offer a level of customization that is not possible with traditional vehicles,” said Keidel.

Customers could choose the features and design they like and watch the car be printed in front of them, said Keidel.

“Should the customer want changes in the future, we can simply melt the vehicle and print a new one,” said Keidel.

For more information, check out Local Motors’ website.

Photo credit to Local Motors.

Contact Jacqui Atkielski at j.atkielski@thebaynet.com.