Automotive

BigRep showcases 3D printed autonomous electric podcar ‘LOCI’ at Formnext 2019

Atformnext2019, German large-format 3D printer manufacturerBigRephas unveiled an entirely 3D printed autonomous electric podcar, known as LOCI.

A design prototype, LOCI is intended to showcase the application of large-format additive manufacturing in designing and creating functional end-use transportation. The 3D printed vehicle also premieres “BigRep Part DNA” technology, which embeds NFC chips into the 3D printed parts.

LOCI forms the centrepiece of the company’s exhibition atformnext, presenting a wide range of 3D printing applications, featuring collaborations withBosch Rexroth,空中客车,DassaultSystèmes.The company is also presenting four new materials for large-format 3D printing: PLX, PET-CF, PA6/66, and BVOH. Martin Back, BigRep Managing Director, commented:

“We are excited to be once again leading the way in utilizing the full potential of AM applications across industries by presenting the LOCI prototype and other industrial prototypes with, Bosch Rexroth, AIRBUS and Dassault Systèmes.”

The LOCI prototype. Photo via BigRep.
The LOCI prototype. Photo via BigRep.

Paving the way for 3D printed functional end-use transportation

Loci原型是由Bigrep的创新咨询公司设计的完全3D打印的Podcar,NOWLAB. It was created as an autonomous and electric “last-mile transportation solution” specifically for urban environments. This can include daily work commutes, campus transport, local deliveries and airport, and train departures.

It features 14 unique 3D printed parts, and measures 850 mm x 1460 mm x 2850 mm, with the largest component coming in at 1000 x 600 x 700 mm. All the parts were 3D printed using BigRep’s large-scale FFF 3D printers, including theBigRep PRO,BigRep Studio G2, 和Bigrep One. BigRep’sPRO HT filament是用于人体的材料,而TPU被选择用于无气轮胎。使用PLX创建了保险杠,设计师选择了梁和关节的PA6/66。

Duringlast year’s Formnext show, BigRep presented a similar application of its 3D printing technology. Also developed by NOWLAB, the company exhibited a fully functional electric motorbike namedNERA以Bigrep为特色3D printed airless tiredesign.

“LOCI is more than a vehicle, it’s the evolution of personalized mobility,” explains丹尼尔·布宁, NOWLAB co-founder and BigRep CIO.

“LOCI is an affordable solution for urban transportation, harnessing the agility of AM while also demonstrating the cost-efficient advantages of 3D printing for sustainable AM such as manufacturing personalized products on-site and on-demand.”

The LOCI prototype. Photo via BigRep.
The LOCI prototype. Photo via BigRep.

Adaptable 3D printed vehicle for different environments

Loci的设计可利用增材制造的好处,因此可以适应用户的位置或应用程序。例如,特殊轮胎可以配备不同的地形。BigRep的FormNext Showcase展示了三个不同的位置迭代。

柏林基因座模型设计用于校园上的通勤,并具有触摸屏媒体显示,环绕声音频,无线电话/设备充电和BigRep Part DNA NFC技术。使用手机,用户可以扫描嵌入式NFC标签以识别3D打印零件。BigRep计划将传感器集成到其零件DNA技术中,以进行维护和监测。其他两个迭代是旧金山通勤的旧金山基因座,以及用于机场运输的迪拜基因座。两者都在渲染概念版本中出现在节目中。

Furthermore, unique prototypes or small batches of LOCI can be locally produced on demand. This eliminates added costs, long lead times and dependence upon a supplier. It also presents an alternative to large warehouses and remote production facilities, creating a more sustainable production process. LOCI vehicle production can be upscaled with added BigRep 3D printers as well.

Digital render of a customized LOCI vehicle. Image via BigRep.
Digital render of a customized LOCI vehicle. Image via BigRep.

Other BigRep applications at Formnext 2019

As well as LOCI, BigRep is also presenting the下一个AGV(自主指导vehicle), an autonomous transport system, developed by NOWLAB in collaboration with Bosch Rexroth, a subsidiary of global engineering and electronics companyBosch. Presented atHannover Messe今年早些时候,接下来的AGV特性3 d主要ted shell that can be adapted for different industrial applications, such as an automated logistics carrier. The two companies have previously collaborated to integrateIoT, 5GCNC control systemsinto BigRep’s 3D printers.

Another BigRep prototype present at Formnext is the AIRBUS INVESTMENT SHIPPING CASE, a 3D printed case made from TPU for transporting delicate aerospace equipment in need of maintenance. Such cases are usually individually manufactured by hand, limiting their availability. Using BigRep 3D printing, the full design and manufacturing process can be reduced to just 60 hours, greatly optimizing the supply chain.

Furthermore, attendees will be able to see BigRep’s Retro Seat prototype, which is an original airline seat frame refurbished by NOWLAB. It was developed in collaboration withDassaultSystèmes, using the company’s3Dexperience平台. Reportedly, the Retro Seat is 50 percent lighter than a standard airline seat.

You can catch BigRep’s vast collection of 3D printing applications, as well as its large-format 3D printers and new materials, at Booth C121, Hall 12.1, during the Formnext show.

The Nera e-motorbike by BigRep. Image via BigRep
The Nera e-motorbike by BigRep. Image via BigRep

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Featured image shows the LOCI prototype. Photo via BigRep.