US automaker Local Motors is attempting to make history by building the world's first 3D-printed car at this year's International Manufacturing Technology Show ( IMTS ) in Chicago, September 8-13, 2014.

The vehicle, named the Strati, will be printed over 44 hours then rapidly assembled by a team led by Local Motors with the historic first drive set to take place the morning of Saturday, September 13.Using direct digital manufacturing – the first time it has been used to build a car – Local Motors will 3D-print the bulk of the vehicle. It should be noted that mechanical components, like battery, motor, wiring, and suspension will be sourced from a variety of suppliers, rather than printed, and will be added to complete the vehicle and have it up and running. The Strati uses just 40 parts; Local Motors claims a typical, conventional car has over 20,000.Local Motors is hoping the Strati proves the viability of using sustainable, digital manufacturing solutions in the automotive industry, and plans to launch production-level 3D-printed vehicles that will be available to the general public for purchase in the months following the show.In 2010 3D printing company Stratasys and engineering firm Kor Ecologic unveiled the Urbee at the 2010 SEMA car show in Las Vegas. The Urbee featured a 3D-printed shell mounted on a more traditional metal chassis.For more on Local Motors or to watch the progress of the Strati being built, check out their official website . Fans of Local Motors may want to also check out Forza Horizon 2; the manufacturer is making its series debut with its 2014 Rally Fighter.

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