Kabuku and Honda 3D Printed Vehicle
The automaker’s
accessories department, called Honda Access, has been using 3D-printers in its
product development cycle since 2006. That’s why together with Kabuku inc. – a
Japanese tech company – Honda created an automobile that utilizes 3D-printing
technology in order to further develop its Variable Design platform.
The Variable Design platform is Honda’s vision of
offering a small, modular architecture that can underpin inexpensive vehicles
suited for each individual’s needs.
This car (which is unnamed yet)
was constructed on the company’s Variable Design platform. It also features a
compact electric powertrain, and it was unveiled at the at CEATEC Japan 2016.
Described as a jointly developed mass customized vehicle that reflected
individual needs, the automobile was tailor-made as a low-cost, economical
delivery van for Toshimaya Corp’s local business.
It’s development process was shortened to about two
months by taking advantage of rapid 3D design, mold-less development and a
digital manufacturing factory network.
The micro-van features a pipe-based
framework which supports various, inexpensive 3D-printed body panels.
Honda announced its plans to offer an inexpensive
vehicle that can be customized according to the driver’s need a while back, and
this machine could be the first step towards that direction.
