The Aether Concept Car Pushes the Boundaries of Automotive Design With 3D Printing

The automotive industry is increasingly moving towards sustainable solutions, with 3D printing playing a key role in this transition. The Aether concept car was created with this in mind. This next-generation electric vehicle incorporates advanced technologies, such as digital modeling and additive manufacturing, to rethink its design.

The Aether concept car was created by students at Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) for Gen Z drivers, with a focus on the environment, technology and personalized design. Led by designer Rafael Corazza, the project features modular interiors and innovative exterior surfaces, combining ecology, technology and unique aesthetics.

3D Printing to Make the Aether Concept Car

The Aether concept car took advantage of parametric design and 3D technologies. In particular, HP’s Multi Jet Fusion process was used to create components that were both aesthetically pleasing and practical, such as speaker grilles, headrests and cushions. For these specific parts, the SCAD team used Rhino 3D’s Grasshopper tool to design custom structures, which were then 3D printed using a flexible material, BASF’s TPU 88A. This material, a thermoplastic polyurethane, offers great flexibility and strength, ideal for parts requiring both flexibility and robustness.