Helixx unveil first demonstration vehicle from universal model

Helixx has unveiled its first demonstrator vehicle - a commercial delivery van - to showcase the results of their digital manufacturing system for the first time. The van is designed for ease of assembly and optimum interior load space, considering the needs of manufacturers and fleet operators.

To minimise complexity, the body system has been designed around a specific set of rules to enable ease of replication. The vehicle’s body is comprised of just five key structural, 3D-printed components, which all ‘click and bond’ together for easy assembly.

This is said to simplify the manufacturing process by up to 50 per cent, compared to the conventional process of welding stamped body panels, with greater mass and hundreds more individual components.

Built around a hybrid aluminium chassis, the Helixx delivery van is 3.2m long and 1.5m wide, with a 2,100-litre capacity and a 500kg maximum payload. It has a 110cm rear door width and 140cm load bay length, allowing it to carry most global shipping pallets. A single-seater layout and central driving position optimises load space, and is also compatible with left and right-hand-drive markets.