Singapore’s first 3D-printed concept car to debut in design competition | TODAYonline

Singapore’s first 3D-printed concept car to debut in design competition | TODAYonline:
By Matthias Tay matthiastay@mediacorp.com.sg
Published: 2:49 PM, February 2, 2015

SINGAPORE — Car owners who desire an eco-friendly and customisable vehicle can look forward to such an option soon when technology becomes available to permit 3D-printed parts to be incorporated into commercial cars.

The technology is in the infancy but a team of students from the Nanyang Technological University has put together Singapore’s first 3D-printed concept car, which will be making its debut at this year’s Shell Eco-marathon Asia held in Manila.

The car, NTU Venture 8, will race in the Urban Concept category where vehicles will compete on fuel efficiency and distance travelled.

Associate Professor Ng Heong Wah, who has taught engineering design at NTU for 25 years, is mentoring the team. He said that 3D-printing has the potential to go far in view of the Republic’s energy conservation efforts.

“A 3D-printed part reduces the weight (of the car)...you don’t have so many pieces joined together and it is more efficient in the use of materials,” said Professor Ng.