Stratasys Direct Prints Production Parts for NASCAR Next Gen Cars
NASCAR teamed with Stratasys Direct Manufacturing to produce 3D-printed airflow ventilation units for its fleet of Next Gen racecars. The windshield ducts were printed in Belton, Texas, on the SAF™ powered H350™ printer, which is designed specifically for production consistency, a competitive and predictable cost per part, and complete production control for volumes up to thousands of parts.
The new 3D-printed parts provide NASCAR with enhanced performance, flexibility, cost savings and improved aerodynamics, and are being used by every team that competes in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Pictured right: Brandon Thomas, NASCAR Event Management Managing Director, Vehicle systems R&D - Innovation - Chassis
The ventilation units were printed using SAF™ High Yield PA11, then cleaned, finished, dyed and shot-blasted using DyeMansion post-processing equipment. The airflow ducts are mounted onto the racecars’ windshields directing air from the outside onto the drivers’ chests and legs to keep them comfortable during extreme temperatures. These production components are now mandatory parts on every Next Gen racecar.
Test fitting the newly-printed SAF™ air duct
