Blade Debuts As First 3D-Printed Supercar

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Divergent Microfactories recently unveiled a supercar called Blade, which features a chassis that was printed entirely from a 3D printer.

A look at the 3D printed supercar “Blade”

The new car’s technology is focused on a 3D-printed aluminum joint called Node, a piece that connects carbon fiber tubing pieces to create the chassis of the car. The method cuts down on materials and energy used in manufacturing. Kevin Czinger, CEO of Divergent Microfactories, hopes to make Blade one the greenest and the most powerful cars on the planet. The overall weight of the chassis is 90% lighter than traditional cars. This means Blade would offer better fuel economy as well as create less wear and tear on the roads. The chassis is also stronger and very durable.

Blade’s structure features aluminum and carbon fiber blend. The car weighs only 635 kg to help the 700hp bi-fuel engine. The car can run on gasoline or compressed natural gas. It can go from 0-60 mph in an impressive 2.2 seconds.

Divergent Microfactories looks to the future

The company aims to print out 10,000 chassis builds per year. The tech firm is also looking for other companies to partner up with to continue the development of the project. The company also wants to expand its platform and give other small companies a chance to set up their own microfactories to create cars or other products.

It is important to point out that Blade isn’t the first 3D car; however, it is the first supercar to actually make use of the technologies. Last year, one U.S. company called Local Motors that unveiled a 3D printed two-seater convertible at Chicago’s International Manufacturing Technology Show.

Czinger believes it is time to rethink how we manufacture. He added when we go from two billion cars to six billion cars within a few decades, we will ultimately badly hurt the environment. This new car presents exciting possibilities for the future.

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