Van Amersfoort, a perennial champion in motorsports, is competing in Formula 3. This experienced team received their race car only 14 days before the race, facing the most pressing crisis in their history. How can the team modify a high-speed, high-horsepower car to meet the challenge in such a short time?
For racing, a difference of 0.1 seconds can be crucial to the outcome of a race. In order to make the performance of the car more stable, the Amersford team decided to use 3D printers to make jigs and fixtures, and then use various 3D printed fixing tools to produce racing car parts.
First, to enhance the stability of the race car's rear wheels, the team used a stronger "Clariant PA6/66 20CF" nylon material (containing 20% carbon fiber) to make tire alignment tools. Using the Ultimaker ruby printhead CC Red 0.6, these abrasive lines can be printed with confidence without damaging the nozzle.
"The possibilities of using Clariant carbon fiber filaments are endless, and they can meet all our needs in 3D printing ," a team member said.
To prevent parts from scratching the car body and paint during assembly, the team chose Clariant's custom PET-G wire to make the internal cushioning parts of the jig. The wire color can be selected according to needs, and a fluorescent orange color, the same as their own racing car, was specially customized. This small touch greatly improves the overall integrity and texture!
"Before we knew about metal manufacturing, we never thought we could use 3D printers to make car parts. 3D printing technology has been a great help to us, allowing the team to produce tools in two days at low cost and high efficiency. As the technology develops, mechanics will also request the use of specific 3D printing tools," said team member Remco.
When maintaining parts, the team's mechanics use 3D printing tool holders to make every necessary tool and part clearly visible, which greatly improves work efficiency and makes the repair process easier.
To develop racing drivers' skills, Van Amersfoort has a simulated training program where drivers sit in a simulator in an indoor space, and a projection screen in front of them starts simulating a race track.
The team used the Ultimaker 3D printer to create the curved safety bar that surrounds the cockpit and wrapped it with carbon fiber cloth. When the simulator generates a halo, it allows the driver to feel the real ambient light. Through such repeated practical exercises, the team has trained many experienced and strong champion racing drivers!
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