Tiếng Việt
The world’s first 3D-printed electric car is called the LSEV. It can be built at a rate of 500 units a year, and the dream of owning a car is closer than ever. It already has 7,000 orders from Europe.
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The world’s first stylish 3D-printed electric car draws thousands of orders
The world’s first car made with 3D printing technology is heading to market soon, and it is already pulling in a huge number of orders. The LSEV, the world’s first 3D-printed electric car, is expected to go on sale in April 2019. It was unveiled in Shanghai, China, on March 11. Every assembled component is made with 3D printing. More than 7,000 orders for the LSEV have already been placed, from customers in Europe.
The world’s first 3D-printed electric car costs just over 170 million VND
The LSEV, the world’s first 3D-printed electric car, was developed by Italian startup Xev Ltd. together with Polymaker, a company that makes 3D printing materials. According to the two companies, the LSEV takes only 3 days to build and costs 7,500 USD, CNBC reported.Apart from the chassis, seats and windows, every other part of the car is made by 3D printing. The LSEV is made mostly of polyamide, commonly known as nylon. Xev worked with Shanghai-based 3D printing material developer Polymaker to upgrade this material so the LSEV is not only flexible but also more stable. The two-seat LSEV looks like a smart car, but its top speed is just under 70 km/h and it travels about 150 km on a full charge. It weighs only about 450 kg, close to half of a conventional car of the same size. Xev says it has received 7,000 orders from companies, including many postal service operators. 3D printing is a manufacturing process that joins or solidifies material under computer control to create three-dimensional objects. Technically, this method usually shortens research and development time and makes it possible to offer customers made-to-order products. Xev is based in Turin, Italy. It is a startup founded less than a year ago by engineer Guo Xiaozheng and a team of Chinese automotive experts. The company says it can bring a new product to market in just 4 months. A single production line, with 3D printers and assembly equipment, can turn out about 500 LSEVs a year. “We can have several production lines in one factory, because they are easy to build and not expensive at all,” Guo said. The car is expected to enter mass production and go on sale in Asia and Europe in 2019.
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Contact CT3D Group
CT3D Group – Professional 3D printing, 3D scanning, 3D design and rapid prototyping services nationwide.
- CT3D Thu Duc – Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Hai Phong: in3d.edu.vn – Hotline 0975 008 728 (Mr. Thai)
- CT3D District 6 – Ho Chi Minh City: 3dmaker.vn – Hotline 038 7798308 (Mr. Phuc)
Frequently asked questions
Is a 3D-printed car as safe as a conventionally built car?
It has to be tested like any other vehicle. To be street legal, a car must pass the crash tests and safety standards of each market, whether its parts are 3D printed or made the traditional way. That is also why main load-bearing parts such as the chassis are usually still made conventionally.
Why is nylon (polyamide) often chosen for 3D-printed car parts?
Nylon is tough and handles impact and fatigue well compared with many other 3D printing plastics. It is also light and resists oil, grease and moderate heat, which makes it a good fit for covers, brackets and interior parts.
Where is 3D printing used most in the auto industry today?
Mostly for rapid prototyping and production jigs and fixtures. Carmakers 3D print prototypes to check styling and fit, print jigs and inspection tools for the line, and print some special parts for low-volume or racing cars.
How can auto parts suppliers in Vietnam use 3D printing?
The most practical approach is to start with prototypes and fixtures. Suppliers can 3D print sample parts for sales pitches, check fit before making a mold, or 3D scan and reprint parts that are hard to source as spares.
Does 3D printing help reduce vehicle weight?
Yes. It can create hollow, lattice and optimized shapes that are hard to make with traditional methods. Combined with topology optimization, parts can be much lighter while keeping the stiffness they need.
Related services at CT3D Group
- On-demand 3D printing service
- High-accuracy 3D scanning service
- Custom 3D design service
- CT3D Group network: ct3dgroup.com · in3d.edu.vn – Hotline/Zalo 0975 008 728
