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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
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
By Conner Forrest
Conner Forrest is an analyst for 451 Research. He was formerly a Senior Editor for TechRepublic.