A car from a 3D printer – what is it like to drive?

The present time brings with it a number of innovative technologies and discoveries that we would have considered complete science fiction just a few years ago. Several of them significantly changed not only the way we live, but also the way we think. While abstract virtual reality applications, even the cryptographic Bitcoin, require much more effort to understand the principles, a car from a 3D printer is a practical example of modern technologies that you can touch. So what is a 3D-printed car like in practice?

Strati by Local Motors

3D printing is a relatively young industry that will have a bright future. Today, 3D printers are commonly used in medicine for the preparation of individualized implants, in the education of medical students, and in the creation of preoperative models of organs and bones. Theoretically, however, 3D printing technology makes it possible to produce objects of any shape and size.

The problem, then, was not even the production of a functional car, which was presented by the American company Local Motors. The car made using 3D printing was named Strat, and its production by Local Motors took 6 days. Local Motors also announced that it would begin mass production of cars made by 3D printers as early as 2022. In the future, the company wants to use much larger 3D printers, so it will only be a matter of time before we see the first prototypes of trucks or SUVs. However, let us not get ahead of ourselves and take a look at what Strat offers us.

If you thought this would be a vehicle made in a trial-and-error style, you are completely mistaken. This two-seater little car has a modern, somewhat sporty design that, with a certain sense of perspective, some models from more renowned brands could envy. The car’s appearance is given a distinctive flair by an attractive color combination consisting of white, dark gray, and red. The color red ultimately dominates the entire interior as well. The car manufacturer played it safe and used tasteful red leather seats, which greatly enhanced the car’s elegance.

Quality in every aspect

At first glance at the bodywork of this car, nothing suggests that it was made by a 3D printer. The truth is, however, that with more thorough searching, places can be found where traces of printing are visible. The car manufacturer promises that in the future this minor cosmetic flaw in its beauty will be eliminated. The construction of the car is completely fine, and even though it is made from 227 printed layers, it is sufficiently durable and hard.

Local Motors left nothing to chance and sought to perfect things down to the smallest details. That is why there are compartments available for storing small items, exactly as is customary in classic cars. However, the manufacturer went even further and also thought ahead about potential collisions. For example, a car fender is printed vertically rather than horizontally. Thanks to this, it can be broken down into multiple parts. In the event of damage, it is not necessary to 3D print the entire chassis, but only the deformed part of the fender.

Driving the Strata means relaxation

Objectively speaking, it must be said that before the car finds its way to customers, the manufacturer will have to work on improving comfort, because even getting into the car causes certain complications, which may be somewhat more pronounced for taller people.

The problem for tall individuals is the lack of legroom and the fact that the seat cannot be moved backward and, of course, not forward either. However, if you can settle comfortably into the seat, you can enjoy a calm ride that will suit more phlegmatic or older drivers.

The Strat simply can't tear up the asphalt; it can manage a maximum of 80 km/h. The manufacturer has also limited its speed to 40 km/h, but according to its statement, this is only a temporary restriction until drivers get used to the lower seating position with a view similar to that of a race car. You also need to get used to the small indicator showing the current speed and to the buttons for reverse, neutral, and forward drive.

We will therefore have to wait some more time for improvements to a car printed by a 3D printer. Just like the final price.However, it can be expected that the new Strat could cost approximately 12–13 thousand euros after its market launch.