Chinese consumer electronics and home appliances firm Haier Group has unveiled the world's first ever 3D printed fully functional air conditioner at the annual Appliance and Electronics World Expo held in Shanghai, China.

The first and only unit available was sold for some US$6,395.

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Future buyers will have the ability to completely customize the design and function of the 3D printed air conditioner according to how they want it to be.

"Each piece of the unit is produced on demand, seamlessly linking users' requirements and actual manufacturing," said Haier.

"Building the object layer by layer, 3D printing allows unprecedented user customization. Every user can parametrically adjust their own model, depending on his/her taste and requirements. Each model is a unique piece." Haier added.

Users can also customize the LCD screen used for displaying the temperature and status.

The Chinese firm said new units in the future will come with 3D printed computer boards features, enabling users to further customize accordingly.

The move by the Chinese company may prove the potential use of 3D printing technology for a wide range of industries.

Earlier this year, researchers from the Department of Energy at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) in the U.S. successfully 3D printed a 1965 Shelby Cobra sports car.

As part of the car's celebration of its 50th anniversary, it was on display at the 2015 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan, U.S.

Researchers 3D printed the vehicle to showcase the potential use of 3D printing technology for the automotive industry.

TagsHaier Group, World's First 3D printed air conditioner, air conditioner, 3D printing technology