Stratasys Ltd., a leader in polymer 3D printing solutions, announced that it has been named a NASCAR Competition Partner and that it has collaborated with NASCAR to create the first-ever 3D printed production parts that will be featured across all NASCAR Next Gen cars.
NASCAR and Stratasys Direct Manufacturing collaborated to print a windshield air cockpit ventilation unit for the Next Gen car. The windshield air ducts were printed at Stratasys Direct Manufacturing in Belton, Texas, on the SAFTM-powered Stratasys H350TM 3D printer, which is specifically designed for production consistency, a competitive and predictable cost per part, and complete production control for volumes ranging from hundreds to thousands of parts. Stratasys High Yield PA11, which is derived from sustainable castor oil, was used to print the parts. Using DyeMansion post-processing equipment, the parts were cleaned, finished, dyed, and shot-blasted.
NASCAR Competition Partner
The NASCAR Competition Partner program is only open to companies with specified parts or services used on a NASCAR race car.
The team at NASCAR designed and 3D printed an underside NACA duct for engine cooling at their research and development facility in Concord, N.C. with the Stratasys Fortus® 450mc 3D printer.
According to Pat Carey, Senior Vice President, Strategic Growth for Stratasys, “It is exciting to see the evolution of how NASCAR has used additive manufacturing across their vehicles. We’ve helped them move from 3D printed prototypes to end-use production parts on their high-performance racecars. We are honored to be named a NASCAR Competition Partner and to provide all teams with the first end-use production parts for their Next Gen cars.
This partnership is a natural extension of the relationship we’ve built over nearly 18 years with NASCAR teams like Joe Gibbs Racing and Penske Racing. These teams have been quick to adopt cutting-edge technologies to enhance their car designs and provide performance advantages, and now we’re happy to support the expansion to all NASCAR Next Gen cars.”
“The Next Gen car could not have been completed without the collaboration with NASCAR Competition Partners like Stratasys and Stratasys Direct Manufacturing. During testing, we realized we needed an additive manufacturing solution that could withstand high temperatures and needed the parts delivered quickly. We approached Stratasys Direct, and they delivered not only as a supplier but as a consultant on this project. They provided us with strategic direction on design, materials, and the right additive manufacturing technologies to use to create the highest performance parts for the Next Gen cars.”
– John Probst, Senior Vice President, racing innovation, NASCAR
The new 3D printed production parts provide NASCAR with improved performance, flexibility, cost savings, and aerodynamics, and are used by all NASCAR Cup Series teams. The parts are the result of nearly three years of planning, design, and development, as the Next Gen car was tested for more than 37,000 miles before its debut at The Busch Light Clash in February.
“Having worked with Stratasys for more than 18 years, we’re continually impressed by the quality, speed, and flexibility that additive manufacturing offers. Our work together has helped move the racing world forward through new technologies that improve the sport.”
– Joe Gibbs, Founder and CEO, Joe Gibbs Racing Team
For nearly two decades, Stratasys has worked with NASCAR teams to help them build highly competitive race cars by using 3D printing technology to support tooling, drill guides, and now production parts.
About Manufactur3D Magazine: Manufactur3D is an online magazine on 3D Printing. Visit our Global News page for more updates on Global 3D Printing News. To stay up-to-date about the latest happenings in the 3D printing world, like us on Facebook or follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter.
