3D printing technology has made significant strides in its application within the motorsport industry, particularly in NASCAR, where it has proven to be a crucial asset in enhancing vehicle performance. Recently, Stratasys, a prominent player in the 3D printing sector, has secured a partnership with NASCAR to supply the organisation's Research and Development (R&D) centre with advanced 3D printing equipment. This initiative will allow engineers to work with state-of-the-art devices on a rotating basis, ensuring they have access to the latest innovations in 3D printing.
The R&D centre is set to benefit from receiving high-end models including the Stratasys F370, 450mc, F900, and NEO800 printers. These machines will be instrumental in the production of a variety of test parts, as evidenced by NASCAR's current practice of 3D printing standardised vents that are mandated for use by the teams. John Probst, Executive Vice President and Chief Racing Development Officer at NASCAR, emphasised the importance of this collaboration, stating, “Partnering with Stratasys allows NASCAR to push the boundaries of performance and accuracy like never before. Their 3D printing technology empowers us to quickly iterate and optimise components, ensuring that our staff has the best possible machines to stay ahead in this high-stakes environment.”
To maximise the R&D centre’s capabilities, Stratasys is enhancing its existing 3D printing capacity, notably by adding a second fused deposition modelling (FDM) printer, which is used for producing essential components such as the NACA duct. This component is designed to mitigate heat transfer from the transaxle to the cabin floor, showcasing the dual role of 3D printing in both functionality and performance optimisation. Additionally, the introduction of a NEO stereolithography (SL) machine is expected to facilitate the creation of parts necessary for aerodynamic testing and high-precision tooling, further enriching the centre’s resources.
Team dynamics play a crucial role in this fast-paced environment, and advancements in 3D printing afford teams like Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) the flexibility needed for rapid prototyping and testing. JGR is among the organisations that have integrated Stratasys 3D printers into their operations to create test components for both wind tunnel assessments and on-track performance. According to Matt Faulkner, the technical director at JGR, the reliance on off-the-shelf components under current NASCAR regulations necessitates ingenuity within permitted boundaries to enhance bodywork design. This innovation often leads to the creation of critical components like hood vents, which significantly influence overall airflow.
“We've done like a ton of work to get our model as perfect as possible and act as a guide to what to try in the wind tunnel,” said Faulkner. He noted that testing physical components in the wind tunnel remains vital, as computational models alone do not provide sufficient accuracy. The team has experimented with numerous iterations of hood louver designs, discovering variances in airflow that directly impact car performance and driver comfort. Such findings are pivotal, as they reveal that certain designs can inadvertently lead to increased cabin temperatures.
The practical advantages of 3D printing in this scenario are multifold. With the ability to rapidly produce variations of components, JGR can swiftly implement adjustments based on wind tunnel data. As modern NASCAR vehicles are required to incorporate numerous off-the-shelf parts, the use of 3D printing allows teams to continue developing their vehicles within competitive constraints, maximising performance through iterative design.
Rich Garrity, Chief Business Unit Officer at Stratasys, highlighted the collaboration with NASCAR as an opportunity to demonstrate the unique benefits of 3D printing in motorsports, stating, “From on-demand manufacturing of custom components to speeding up the design cycle, we’re helping NASCAR with faster production times and enhanced part performance.” The ability to monitor printing processes remotely through a mobile app further streamlines operations, enabling engineers to ensure optimal usage of their resources.
NASCAR’s investment into cutting-edge 3D printing technology signals a broader trend within the industry, showcasing how emerging technologies are poised to reshape traditional business practices and enhance efficiency. As motorsport continues to evolve, collaborations like that between NASCAR and Stratasys are likely to set the standard for future innovations, paving the way for more sophisticated and responsive engineering practices. The integration of 3D printing into NASCAR illustrates the ongoing evolution of the motorsport arena, defining new competitive strategies and operational efficiencies.
Source: Noah Wire Services