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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
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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
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The print chamber
The 3D printer at ORNL operates in a closed space.
Image: Oak Ridge National Laboratory, U.S. Dept. of Energy
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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
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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
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Mounting components
The ORNL works on attaching drivetrain components to the car's chassis.
Image: Oak Ridge National Laboratory, U.S. Dept. of Energy
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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
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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
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The start of paint work
The body is primed to prepare it for paint.
Image: Oak Ridge National Laboratory, U.S. Dept. of Energy
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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
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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
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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
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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
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The dashboard
A touch panel tablet was installed in the car's dashboard.
Image: Oak Ridge National Laboratory, U.S. Dept. of Energy
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The finished product
A final look at the completed car.
Image: Oak Ridge National Laboratory, U.S. Dept. of Energy
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
By Conner Forrest
Conner Forrest is an analyst for 451 Research. He was formerly a Senior Editor for TechRepublic.