SABIC delivered the materials and processing expertise needed to create the first-of-its-kind concept vehicle using advanced 3D printing (also known as additive manufacturing) during the International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) in Chicago, USA. This fully functional vehicle was printed from scratch and assembled by automotive design firm Local Motors.
SABIC says that its LNP™ STAT-KON™ carbon fibre-reinforced compound was chosen for its strength-to-weight ratio and high stiffness, which minimises warping during the 3D printing process, enabling enhanced aesthetics and performance. SABIC adds that material selection and validation, as well as equipment specification and processing, were instrumental throughout the development process.
“When the team was choosing our partners to produce the world’s first 3D-printed car, SABIC was an obvious choice because they would quickly and reliably deliver the proper materials needed to bring the Strati to life,” says John B. Rogers, Jr., Local Motors CEO.
Tony Cerruti, marketing director, Americas, for SABIC’s Innovative Plastics business comments: “SABIC’s materials and processing knowledge, together with this advanced additive manufacturing technology, will help to address the manufacturing challenges our customers are facing – the high cost to innovate. We believe that this technology has far-reaching potential for applications across the multiple industries that SABIC serves, bringing designs to market faster and enabling mass customisation.”
The concept vehicle event stemmed from a Local Motor’s Design Challenge which resulted in the submission of over 200 entries from more than 30 countries. The winning concept, Strati, inspired the full sized 3D-printed prototype.
