Product category:
Rapid Prototyping
News Release from: Moog FCS
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 08 February 2001
Stereolithography goes to work in
racecar design
3D Systems has joined forces with world-renowned automotive design firm Dallara Automobili and has shipped its first high-end SLA 7000 solid imaging system to Dallara
3D Systems has joined forces with world-renowned automotive design firm Dallara Automobili SRL in a technology and marketing alliance As part of the agreement, 3D Systems has shipped its first high-end SLA 7000 solid imaging system to Dallara headquarters in Varano de Melegari, Italy
In addition, the system and its applications will be on display for other motorsport companies to view.
Dallara has put 3D Systems' patented stereolithography (SL) technology to work in racecar development and production.
The auto-designer uses the technology for building parts for concept models, master patterns for investment casting, wind tunnel analysis, tooling production and form, fit and functional testing.
"In the highly competitive racing market, we wanted to further strengthen our technical advantages," said Dr.Gian Paolo Dallara, owner and president of Dallara Automobili.
"Using the SLA system, our engineers are able to generate more designs in a shorter period of time.
The technology gives us the confidence of knowing that our designs are fully analysed and ready for production to meet our customers' schedules." "We have used SL technology in the past and believe that the benefits of bringing it in-house will allow us greater freedom to create and execute design strategies quickly," Dr.Dallara said.
"The unique capability of integrating pressure tappings directly into our parts from digital designs enables us to analyse aerodynamics with greater speed and accuracy." The SLA system will be linked directly to Dallara's staff in design engineering, analysis and production.
Using more than 20 computer-aided design (CAD) workstations to supply data to the SLA system, Dallara engineers are continuing to streamline the process of delivering racecars to teams around the world.
"Dr.Dallara's track record goes back decades," said John Murray, senior director of global business development for motorsports at 3D Systems.
"He helped design the legendary supercars of the 1960s, including the Lamborghini Miura and the De Tomaso Pantera.
"With their expert knowledge of carbon fibre chassis, Dallara Automobili dominates Formula Three racing and has the greatest number of victories in the American Indy Racing League.
Their current work includes the design and manufacture of a Le Mans prototype for the 2001 race in June," Murray said.
According to Murray, Dallara will be using the SLA 7000 system with SL 7520 material - a combination well proven in Formula One racing applications.
"Stereolithography is the only rapid prototyping technology that allows quick integration of pressure tappings into complex geometries for wind tunnel testing," Murray said.
"Dallara's use of 3D Systems stereolithography further reinforces the uniqueness of the technology for aerodynamics in motorsports as well as other major market segments that use wind tunnels," said Grant Flaharty, senior vice president of worldwide sales and marketing at 3D Systems.
"These include military and commercial aircraft, defense and space systems, and production automobiles.
We're continuing to see increased demand for this application." "It is a tremendous opportunity to work with a design firm of Dallara's stature," Murray said.
"We look forward to great results as we work to push the limits of SL technology in racing applications.".
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