Citroën and BASF create an electric car, and Sculpteo 3D prints the parts for it

Citroën and BASF have unveiled their [all-ë] all-electric concept car as proof of how much can be saved by reducing weight and consumption of resources. Innovative design pushes the boundaries by rethinking the design and various components of a vehicle, proving that simplicity can go hand in hand with improved functionality. A number of the car’s structural elements were created in 3D printing technology, and their production was the responsibility of Sculpteo – a leading service company, belonging to BASF.

With a speed limited to 110 km / h (68 mph) and acceleration similar to the classic 2CV model, the concept car gains greater range and significantly improved battery life. The vehicle is equipped with seats printed on 3D printers with a lattic structure (lattice) and a floor inspired by the soles of sports shoes. The interior of the vehicle has been designed to be as practical as possible and to make driving easier. Flexible TPU was used in production to facilitate mechanical recycling at the end of the product life cycle. At the same time, the 3D printing process of all these parts ensures low-waste production and material durability over the long life cycle of the vehicle.

This principle of simplifying production has also been implemented in other areas of construction. The driver and passenger doors are identical – there are fewer ironing tools, and the complexity is lower. The same applies to all wheel arches and bumpers. The all-ë concept vehicle is proof that sustainability and attractive design are not mutually exclusive.

Sculpteo printed flexible TPU (Ultrasint TPU88A) car seats. Regarding the seat structure, the open grille provides natural airflow and replaces all the fans in the seat. Its strength is enhanced by an elastic water-based coating (Ultracur3D Coat F) that withstands all stresses on the substrate. Sculpteo 3D printed a total of twenty parts for this project.

BASF also used another high-performance plastic in the rear armrest and in the interior of the floor. Infinergy is a foamed thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) that is also used to make running shoes or sports flooring. This light, strong and flexible material is also very resistant to abrasion, which ensures comfortable and durable floors and armrests. This material also has the ability to dampen noise and vibration. A special water-based NovaCoat-P coating has also been used to protect against abrasion, UV radiation, dirt and chemicals.

From the outside, the vehicle also has several special features – the weight of the outer shell of the vehicle has also been reduced, while increasing stability and durability. R-M AGILIS, used for car body coating, is another BASF product that offers greater durability due to its low VOC content. BASF’s CathoGuard 800 galvanic coating, which protects the battery casing against corrosion, contributes to further resource savings as it is tin / HAP-free and low in solvents.

ŹSource: www.basf.com
Photos: www.basf.com (press materials / all rights reserved)