The Geneva Motor show that took place in March 2014 demonstrated that the automobile industry is no stranger to the possibilities of 3D printing technology. EDAG Competence Centre for Lightweight Construction, one of the leading engineering service providers in the automobile industry has brought the possibility of a single piece 3D printed vehicle closer to reality.
Courtesy of © EDAG GENESIS
The design, in the form of a sculpture called EDAG GENESIS, was used to demonstrate the possibility of additive manufacturing. The sculpture’s structure and shape is inspired by the bionic patterns of a turtle’s body.
Courtesy of © EDAG GENESIS
Like a turtle, the outer envelope of the car acts as a shell, providing strength, stability and cushioning to the inner structural components of the vehicle. The dynamic forms that can be seen in EDAG GENESIS could not be produced without the help of 3D printing technology.
Courtesy of © EDAG GENESIS
This further demonstrates the adaptability of 3D printing to different fields, as well as its significance for designers to physically construct their designs.