The future of automobile manufacturing is here and it’s focused around 3D printing. One company paving the way for this technology is Divergent Microfactories, who unveiled in a June 24 press release the world’s first 3D-printed supercar: “Blade.”
This prototype supercar was created because Kevin Czinger, founder and CEO of Divergent Microfactories, wanted to find an environmentally friendly way to produce cars. His solution is what is called a Node, “a 3D-printed aluminum joint that connects pieces of carbon fiber tubing to make up the car’s chassis.”
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By using the Node and 3D printing, the work required for assembly of the chassis is dramatically reduced. Additionally, the weight of the chassis is 90 percent lighter than a traditional car’s, as well as stronger and more durable. You can watch a video of the chassis being assembled directly below.
Based around the Node is Blade, Divergent Microfactories’ pride and joy, as well as the world’s first 3D-printed supercar. The press release states that this is “one of the greenest and most powerful cars in the world.” Powering the car is a 700 hp bi-fuel engine that can utilize either compressed natural gas or gasoline.
Being comprised of lightweight materials and powered by a powerful engine, the Blade delivers pure performance. It’s claimed 0-60 mph time is a mere two seconds.This is because of the light weight of 1,400 lbs, which makes for an insane power-to-weight ratio.
Divergent Microfactories is currently planning on selling a limited number of high-performance vehicles like the Blade. They will be producing them in their own microfactory, hence the name.
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(Source: Divergent Microfactories)
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