divergent microfactories blade supercar exhibits 3D printed components

divergent microfactories blade supercar exhibits 3D printed components
all images courtesy of divergent microfactories

the future of the automotive industry is a truly global initiative, with every corner of the world adding some disruptive approach to the market. recently, san francisco natives divergent microfactories (DM) unveiled a manufacturing method using 3D printing to reduce the pollution, materials and capital costs associated with building cars.

it features a rear mounted 700 horsepower engine

‘society has made great strides in its awareness and adoption of cleaner and greener cars. the problem is that while these cars do now exist, the actual manufacturing of them is anything but environmentally friendly,’ describes kevin czinger, founder & CEO, divergent microfactories. ‘we’ve found a way to make automobiles that holds the promise of radically reducing the resource use and pollution generated by manufacturing. it also holds the promise of making large-scale car manufacturing affordable for small teams of innovators. and as blade proves, we’ve done it without sacrificing style or substance. we’ve developed a sustainable path forward for the car industry that we believe will result in a renaissance in car manufacturing, with innovative, eco-friendly cars like blade being designed and built in microfactories around the world.’
the super can use either compressed natural gas or gasoline

the technique centers around 3D printed aluminum joints that connect pieces of carbon fiber tubing to make the car’s chassis. the assembly can be done in minutes and will dramatically reduce energy usage, and enable the chassis to be 90% lighter than traditional cars. the ‘blade’ prototype supercar by DM showcases the 3D technology to the public. it is equipped with a 700 horsepower bi fuel engine – can use either compressed natural gas or gasoline. the ‘blade’ goes from zero to 100 km/h in two seconds, and weighs around 635 kilograms. the company plans to sell the divergent microfactories 3D printed blade in a limited number at its factory in california.

the aluminum parts printed using 3D printing machines