Teardrop micro-camper is a 3D-printed space capsule for three people

A teardrop camper quite unlike the average. Vasyl Gonar View 9 Images –

By Adam Williams
2024 Nov 07
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We’ve seen 3D printers used for everything from tiny houses to US marine barracks and now we can add teardrop trailer to the list too, courtesy of Lemki Robotix and iScale3D.

Named the Discover 3D, it features a compact frame that’s rated for a family of three and includes a tailgate galley, plus some optional off-the-grid tech.

The camper measures 3.2 m (10.5 ft) x 1.8 m (5.10 ft) x 1.8 m (5.10 ft) and consists of a standard single-axle trailer with a 3D-printed shell on top. Total weight comes in at 400 kg (roughly 880 lb), so it’s on the lighter side for a teardrop and you won’t need a beast of a truck to pull it.

The interior is definitely snug and though it’s rated for a family of three, two people looks like a more comfortable fit. In addition to its bed, it also includes some shelving and a little storage space.

*The Discover 3D measures 3.2 m (10.5 ft) x 1.8 m (5.10 ft) x 1.8 m (5.10 ft). Vasyl Gonar*

Back outside is a flip-up tailgate that provides access to the galley. This is quite basic but does feature a small propane-powered two-burner stove and a sink, so should be sufficient for preparing basic meals and hot drinks. Additionally, the camper can optionally be fitted with a roof-based solar panel kit and batteries, which could be useful if someone wanted to install a mini-fridge or perhaps keep a TV running in the main sleeping area. The press release also says there are sensors for temperature, water levels and more.

*The Discover 3D’s cozy interior includes the main bed, plus some shelving and storage space. Vasyl Gonar*

The 3D-printing process for the main shell used a FGF (fused granulate fabrication) printing technology. This involves feeding pellets of thermoplastic that are melted and then extruded out of a nozzle in layers, building up the basic structure of the shell. Designer Vasyl Gonar tells us that the polypropylene used was sourced from 7,400 recycled plastic bottles, plus fiberglass was also used.

If you’d like to try out one of these yourself, startup iScale3D is planning on making them available for preorder from €12,000 (almost US$13,000) up to €18,000 ($19,300), depending on options. They’ll also be available to rent for €60 ($64) per day. We’ve no word yet on availability but more information will be available via the source link in the coming days.

Source: iScale3D View gallery – 9 images
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Tags

Outdoors Trailer teardrop trailers 3D Printing Camping
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Adam Williams

Adam scours the globe from his home in Spain in order to bring the best of innovative architecture and sustainable design to the pages of New Atlas. Most of his spare time is spent dabbling in music, tinkering with old Macintosh computers and trying to keep his even older VW bus on the road.
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2 Comments

Uncle Anonymous – 2024 Nov 07 – 07:53 AM

This is a great way to recycle plastic. My only concern is about the plastic breaking down under UV from sunlight.

Jim-999 – 2024 Nov 07 – 01:44 PM

Don’t you just love waking up to the smell of plastic in the morning?
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