Local Motors, famous for the 3D printed Strati, is a leader in the development of automotive 3D printing, and this new collaboration will focus on the development of composite materials for low-cost automotive parts. The three organizations will work together on design and materials selection for a new process that involves the use of additive manufacturing to reinforce advanced composite parts for vehicles. The project is expected to challenge current vehicle designs and create new components to meet longevity and crash performance requirements.
“The integration of design within the materials selection and manufacture process optimizes vehicle production by reducing cycle time,” said Gregory Haye, Local Motors General Manager. “The partnership with IACMI-The Composites Institute and its vast group of partners provides access to unique research and development capabilities, ultimately resulting in a more efficient manufacture process for our organization.”
“The Composites Institute’s impact is larger than the project research and development work taking place at our facilities,” said Bryan Dods, IACMI CEO. “Collaboration amongst IACMI members spans the entire industry supply chain from material suppliers, BASF and TechmerPM, to design and manufacturing with Local Motors. Commercialization of new innovations is resulting in the creation of new jobs, expansion of manufacturing facilities and an overall economic development impact benefitting the entire ecosystem of composites manufacturers.”
It’s also an example of how additive manufacturing stretches across industries – the Manufacturing USA institutes may be broken into specialized segments, but 3D printing isn’t just limited to America Makes. The technology is spread across multiple institutes – it plays a vital role in the recently established Advanced Tissue Biofabrication Institute, for example. The IACMI/ORNL/Local Motors project will do more than create better, safer cars – it will demonstrate again the many positive ways in which additive manufacturing can impact the economy and the future of manufacturing. Discuss in the 3D Printed Composites forum at 3DPB.com.