COMPOSITES
The 3D printed oil and water catch can
How professional 3D printing and carbon fibre-filled composites are helping to optimise racing performance
O
ver several years, CRP USA and UVic Formula Racing have partnered to create many functional parts in carbon
fibre-filled composite materials using the laser sintering 3D printing process. Made from CRP USA’s specifically engineered Windform materials, these components are distinguished for their versatility, mechanical properties and durability. One of the latest examples of the enhanced mechanical properties of such components comes from the world of Formula SAE, a student competition managed by SAE International (formerly known as the Society of Automotive Engineers).
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www.engineerlive.com Te partnership between CRP USA
and UVic has seen the manufacturing of several components, including the steering wheel and elements of the engine lubrication system, which have become integral parts of the team’s racing car. Luke Wooldridge, Powertrain Lead of UVic Formula Racing from the University of Victoria, says: “Like every year, the industry judges at the competition were very interested in the parts that CRP USA 3D printed for our racing car.” He continues, “Carbon fibre-filled composites have become a core element of our car’s construction since we began our partnership with CRP. In our current
RACINGAHEAD
car, Windform is utilised in all of our major systems, from our driver controls to the aerodynamics in our powertrain. Te carbon filled composites provide an amazing strength-to-weight ration which is a critical property for any automotive project, but even more so in Formula SAE where every gram counts.”
OIL AND WATER CATCH CANS Te team designed new oil and water catch cans which were designed to integrate better with the car’s chassis packaging. Tese components were made from Windform SP, one of the carbon fibre-filled composites from CRP USA’s Windform range of 3D printing
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