China Unveils First 3D Printed Car

Chinese 3D tech company Sanya Sihai has created a bright orange electric-powered sedan which cost just $1,770 to manufacture.

Sanya Suhai unveiled the vehicle, China’s first 3D printed car, on Tuesday in the country’s southern Hainan province. Building the vehicle reportedly took 1.5 months, with the printing part of the process taking about five days. “The density of the material is much lighter than that of the metal, only one-seventh or one-eighth,” chief designer Chen Mingqiao explained. “Lighter weight will help save energy in the future.”

The vehicle, which is powered by rechargeable batteries, can reach speeds of up to 40 kilometers per hour (24 mph).

The world’s first 3D printed car, the Urbee, was created in the US in 2013 by design firm KOR EcoLogic, direct digital manufacturer RedEye on Demand, and 3D printing manufacturer Stratsys. Last year, the Arizona-based Local Motors printed the Strati car. The company has plans to custom print 3D cars for clients on demand.
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