Stratasys Ltd., a leader in polymer 3D printing solutions, and Australia channel partner TCL Hofmann announced that Walkinshaw Andretti United (WAU) has chosen Stratasys FDM 3D printing technology to anchor its new additive manufacturing hub and has purchased a new Stratasys Fortus® 450mc 3D printer.
WAU is one of the most successful Supercars Championships teams in the category’s history, having won multiple driver and team championships as well as eight Bathurst 1000 victories.
Stratasys FDM 3D Printing Technology for Additive Manufacturing Hub
WAU’s new Fortus450mc 3D printer is the company’s second Stratasys FDM printer. The industrial-grade printer can handle over a dozen materials, including those with flame retardant properties, chemical resistance, and strength reinforced by carbon fibre. It has the best reliability and repeatability in its class, making it ideal for applications such as manufacturing tooling and end use parts.
“Every second counts not only on the track but also in the workshop. We use 3D printing to prototype and produce parts much faster than we could through traditional methods. At the same time, the high-performance standards of Stratasys industrial printers and materials means these parts also perform exceptionally well, despite the extreme heat, dirt, and vibration that go with Supercars racing. As such, Stratasys and TCL Hofmann make great partners for our team.”
– Bruce Stewart, Team Principal at Walkinshaw Andretti United
The 3D printers will be housed in the new TCL Hofmann | Stratasys Smart Manufacturing Hub, a temperature-controlled 3D printing hub adjacent to WAU’s vehicle assembly area. The area is intended to demonstrate 3D printing capabilities to visitors, including the display of additively manufactured parts from WAU vehicles. Stratasys also intends to collaborate with WAU to test innovative new products and materials for the automotive racing industry at the facility.
Ben Darling, Stratasys Australia General Manager said, “Stratasys is proud to be the Official 3D Printing Partner of Walkinshaw Andretti United. The best racing teams around the world trust Stratasys for the highest performance and reliability and it’s made possible thanks to the deep local expertise of our partners like TCL Hofmann.”
