3D printed parts in every NASCAR Cup Series car

Motorsport has always been at the forefront when it comes to new technology. Stratasys and NASCAR are now going one step further. For the first time, 3D printed production parts will be used in every race car competing in the NASCAR Cup Series. For this purpose, Stratasys Direct Manufacturing uses both the SAF H350 powder bed printer  as the Fortus 450mc in.

As a NASCAR Competition Partner, Stratasys will provide all racing teams with parts for the Next Gen car, the basis on which the teams still do their own development. Both an inlet piece for the bottom of the engine cooling and the ventilation system in the windshield are printed for the new generation of racing cars. The prototypes, which Stratasys spent three years developing, have now been extensively tested. About 60,000 test kilometers have been completed before the first parts are delivered to the teams.

Repeat accuracy and cost

The air inlet pieces for the ventilation system are printed with the SAF H350 printer. The material is used PA11. The parts are subsequently cleaned, blasted and painted with DyeMansion's post-processing systems. This powder bed 3D printer has been specially developed for the production of end parts. The technology that Stratasys uses in the SAF H350 ensures high consistency in repeatability. In addition, the cost price is competitive with other production techniques. The inlet piece for the engine cooling is printed with filament on a Fortus 450mc.

Stratasys advises on design, materials and printing technology

The question has come from NASCAR racing itself. “During testing, we realized we needed an AM solution that could withstand high temperatures and deliver parts quickly,” said John Probst, Senior Vice President, racing innovation, NASCAR.

Stratasys not only printed the parts, but also took on the role of consultant. “The engineers provided strategic guidance on the design, materials and appropriate additive manufacturing technologies to create the best performance parts for the Next Gen cars.”

Years of experience in the racing world

To date, Stratasys has worked with the Joe Gibbs Racing and Penske Racing teams for more than 18 years. “These teams have quickly adopted advanced technologies to enhance their cars and provide performance benefits. Now we are pleased to support the expansion to all NASCAR Gen cars,” said Pat Carey, Senior Vice President, Strategic Growth for Stratasys.

Seido Solutions is one of the first 3D printing service companies in Europe to have the SAF H350 printer. Challenge the engineers with your AM project.