Urbee: World's first 'printed' car

Mail Online reports.

The 'Urbee' was made using a special printer, which built up layer upon layer of bodywork - almost as if the car was 'painted' into existence, using layers of ultra-thin composite that are slowly 'fused' into a solid.

According to Car Advice, Kor EcoLogic founder and Urbee project leader, Jim Kor, said using 3D printing to produce cars could be much more environmentally friendly than the current method of bolting bits of metal and plastic together.

“It is an additive process, building the part essentially one 'molecule' of material at a time, ultimately with no waste,” Kor said. “One only puts material where one needs it.”

He explained that the process can print many different materials, and said the Urbee team had a goal to eventually use fully recycled materials.

RushLane writes that the vehicle will use up to eight times less energy, and will possess a petrol and electric hybrid engine, resulting in lower fuel emissions. The estimated price ranges from $10 000 to $50 000, based on whether the Urbee is mass-produced, which is expected to happen by 2014.

If the Urbee succeeds, it will highlight the possibility of eliminating the need to ship cars for exports and imports, as the car can simply be printed where required.