TU Brno Racing bets on 3D printing

Many thanks goes to MCAE for its long-term support, we look forward to our cooperation in the coming years. You can read more about it in the article below.

We have been cooperating with the TU Brno Racing team, which develops and builds its own student formula for the international Formula Student competition at BUT, annualy since 2013, and team members know they can rely on us, even if its team composition changes every year. As they say, support from partners is a crucial part for the team, without their help they would hardly realize their project. That’s why MCAE Systems is one of their platinum partners.

The main goal of the team is to design, construct and test a one-seater racing vehicle with which it participates in international competitions organized around the world. Students use the 3D printer MakerBot Z18, which we have lent to them a few years ago, and today it is one of their permanent work equipment of their workshop. As they describe, they use it primarily for the fast production of prototypes, for which it is primarily intended. 3D printing technology reduces development time for various prototypes in the car. It is able to bring to the world a part of any shape, which greatly helps to the team.

The MakerBot Z18 Desktop 3D Printer is indispensable for the team work, because it prints parts that need to be checked for components that are not yet manufactured or it can print a test piece. They determine whether the part really fits or needs adjustments to prevent possible problems in the assembly of the monopost. As for a material they use biodegradable PLA, designed for MakerBot 3D printers, which is easy to print and parts are strong enough. It is also the perfect choice for printing large objects due to the low thermal expansion (prints do not twist on the mat) and for printing small, detailed models.

A 3D printer saves students time in the development and the production, because missing and medium-sized parts can be built in a matter of hours. Therefore it makes their work much more efficient.

Further use of the printer is also not negligible. Especially for the printing of internal combustion engine components, which are used for presentation to sponsors. Original components are usually used for inspection or testing on the engine brake that is why we use printed one instead. In exceptional cases, students print smaller molds for laminating carbon fiber parts, that will be printed thanks to 3D printer overnight. Usually, these molds are unmanageable by milling, or the manufacture is very time consuming and expensive. Some printed parts remain permanently on the race car (eg fuse box or injector holders).

In this season, in accordance with the latest trends in the field of e-mobility, the TU Brno Racing team has embarked on the development and construction of the first electric formula Dragon e1.

Renting of a 3D printer and 3D custom printing is just a small part of what connects us with the TU Brno Racing team. The results of the cooperation will be revealed along with the new generations of Dragon X and Dragon e1.