Photos: ORNL's 3D printed sports car

Innovation

ORNL's 3D printer

The Oak Ridge National Laboratory is one of the most important science and technology labs in the US. Here’s a look at its 3D printed cars.

This massive 3D printer resides at The Oak Ridge National Laboratory and was used to print the body for the car.

Image: Oak Ridge National Laboratory, U.S. Dept. of Energy
Another look at the 3D printing surface

Notice the tracks along the sides of the printer that move the print head along the surface.

Image: Oak Ridge National Laboratory, U.S. Dept. of Energy
The print chamber

The 3D printer at ORNL operates in a closed space.

Image: Oak Ridge National Laboratory, U.S. Dept. of Energy
Taking it for a spin

Deputy Secretary of Energy Daniel Poneman rides in an early prototype of ORNL’s 3D printed car while touring the facility.

Image: Oak Ridge National Laboratory, U.S. Dept. of Energy
An early 3D printer car

A 3D printed car on display at ORNL’s campus.

Image: Oak Ridge National Laboratory, U.S. Dept. of Energy
Mounting components

The ORNL works on attaching drivetrain components to the car’s chassis.

Image: Oak Ridge National Laboratory, U.S. Dept. of Energy
The suspension

An ORNL team member adjusts the suspension for the new 3D printer car.

Image: Oak Ridge National Laboratory, U.S. Dept. of Energy
The body

This 3D printed car body is a replica of an original Shelby Cobra.

Image: Oak Ridge National Laboratory, U.S. Dept. of Energy
The start of paint work

The body is primed to prepare it for paint.

Image: Oak Ridge National Laboratory, U.S. Dept. of Energy
The final paint job

The classic blue and white pays homage to to original Cobra, with the lab’s signature oak leaf on the hood.

Image: Oak Ridge National Laboratory, U.S. Dept. of Energy
Wiring the vehicle

An ORNL team member works on wiring the electrical components of the car.

Image: Oak Ridge National Laboratory, U.S. Dept. of Energy
An initial mock up

This is what the car looked like when it was originally put together.

Image: Oak Ridge National Laboratory, U.S. Dept. of Energy
Final assembly

The car is displayed with new headlights and ORNL signage in the grill.

Image: Oak Ridge National Laboratory, U.S. Dept. of Energy
The dashboard

A touch panel tablet was installed in the car’s dashboard.

Image: Oak Ridge National Laboratory, U.S. Dept. of Energy
The finished product

A final look at the completed car.