By using a carbon-polymer composite material, a vehicle was printed by a 3D printer in the US at an auto show in Arizona.The credit goes to Rogers, Chief Executive of Local Motors at Phoenix. He infact wanted to overcome the tedious supply chain the production of an auto requires.Rogers was fascinated by how a 3D printer emits moldable plastic and makes shapes.The 3D printed car just needs a few additional components such as electric motor, wheels and suspension parts.After making a concept car, he is after commercialising the idea.They propose to use their Washington plant to produce 3D printed cars on half a dozen industrial grade printers. They would love the customers participating in the process of production.To begin with, these will be treated as neighbourhood electric vehicles just like golf carts with limited speed capability. Slowly, they will get the legal sanction as cars after complying with the statutory requirements of safety.Just now the prices are high — between $18000 to 30000. Sure it is cutting edge product, but what add on value it will deliver to the customer is to be seen.Mainstream car makers may not adopt this route any time soon.Yet car makers may use this technology in design and test their cars quickly.In future, the technology can be used to make certain difficult to produce components.The cost of 3D printers will also fall. A plastic using printer now costs $75000, and a metal using printer $ 500000 each.