April 12, 2014
Dutch students at Zuyd University of Applied Sciences is participating in the 2014 Shell Eco-marathon with a 3D printed eco-car. The Shell Eco-marathon is an annual competition that aims to challenge student teams to develop, build and test ultra-efficient cars.
229 student teams from 26 countries will compete in ultra-energy efficient cars. The team, called Euregiorunners, will be among the competitors striving to drive the furthest on the least energy at Shell Eco-marathon Europe from 15-18 May.
Zuyd University is participating for the fifth time, but it is the first time that 3D printing technology is being used during the production process. A desktop 3D printer makes car parts like the dashboard, steering wheel, mirrors and handles. On top of that, 220 molds are printed to make the carbon fibre parts for the body of the car.
"We heard 3D printing could be an economic way to make our unique car parts," says 23-year-old engineering student Kenny Stinges. Kenny expects this will save money compared to the expensive wood used in past years.
The students programme each design into the printer, which then builds up the part in layers using PLA.
Ultimaker supports the Zuyd University team with ten Ultimaker Original 3D printers to make the printing as fast and efficient as possible.
"The main goal is to make a car that is as sustainable as possible, and the energy consumption must be as low as possible," says Professor Rob van Loevezijn of Zuyd University's Faculty of Beta Sciences and Technology.
"We are very excited to be working with a new technology," says Kenny. "We've spent months researching economic ways to produce the most energy-efficient car. It's exciting to see how far others have come!"
Posted in 3D Printing Applications
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