Hyperloop CHF used the BCN3D Epsilon W50 in the 2021 Valencia Hyperloop Competition to quickly and efficiently 3D print molds and end-use parts from various materials, creating a high-speed subsonic train prototype that won the Hyperloop pod competition!
Inspired by Elon Musk, the international Hyperloop pod competition aims to create a fifth mode of transportation, encouraging talented university students around the world to unleash their creativity. One of the teams that caught our attention was Hyperloop CHF from the Madrid-based CHF Association, who used BCN3D Epsilon W50 and BCN3D materials to mold and manufacture the end-use components, creating a unique, streamlined pod prototype.
The goal of hosting the Hyperloop pod race
The Hyperloop race is based on a blueprint for an ultra-high-speed train that will revolutionize how we travel in the future. Essentially, passengers would sit in protective cabins on a floating track for a luxurious journey, reaching their destination at unprecedented speeds.
This was the Hyperloop CHF team's first time participating in the competition, and they had only a budget of €100,000 to complete the design and functional prototype, including everything from the outer shell to the internal mechanics. They built a "hypertrack" to test their prototype, prevent any friction, and ensure it functioned as expected.
3D printing accelerates the production process
The students needed a local and professional 3D printer , and Sicnova, a reseller of BCN3D , offered them the BCN3D Epsilon W50 . Its large size and versatility perfectly met their needs. The ecosystem between programming and 3D printing technologies was easy to integrate, faster, and more efficient, thus facilitating their workflow. Saving time and money gave them more design freedom, which became an advantage of the Hyperloop CHF. The Hyperloop CHF subsonic high-speed train prototype measures 1.24 meters in length and 2x1x1 meters in size. Because it needs to fly at high speeds, ensuring the safety of the battery pack is crucial. Hyperloop CHF, along with BCN3D and Sicnova, experimented with various materials to see which properties would advance their prototype, concluding that ABS 's high-temperature resistance provided the best performance.
The 3D-printed end-use components are also crucial for system stability. The wheels are printed with TPU , capable of withstanding high temperatures and forces. The frame is made of carbon fiber, providing a robust and reliable support system. The outer shell mold also indirectly utilizes 3D printing . In rigorous testing on the supersonic track, the team found that the PLA maintained its performance at speeds up to 120 km/h and was easy to print. Each large piece required 16 hours of printing time, so the large size advantage of the BCN3D Epsilon W50 came in handy! The components were assembled, sanded, painted, and then molded to form the carbon fiber shell, while maintaining a smooth and streamlined shell as much as possible.
With the 3D-printed components installed and tested, the team focused on perfecting the propulsion system and LC model during the race countdown. Only four out of eleven teams passed all tests, making them the only team from the professional training center—a truly impressive feat! Their next step is to improve the propulsion system and shell to achieve their target of 550 km/h.
This valuable learning opportunity has equipped students with knowledge of 3D printing design and production, which seems poised to make waves in Industry 4.0!
Did you enjoy this sharing? We offer more than just 3D printing . Contact us today to learn more about the BCN3D Epsilon W50 .
Follow our fan page to stay up-to-date with the latest news: https://www.facebook.com/3dmart.com.hk/
https://www.instagram.com/3dmart
References