PRz Racing Team Joint Cover
The Formula Student initiative launched cooperation between the PRz Racing Team and OMNI3D, ultimately sparking a project to create a race car using 3D printed elements. One element of the car that was 3D printed was the joint cover, which is an important element that protects the delicate system of the entire vehicle. Therefore, it must be very well fitted, flexible, and resistant to any mechanical damage it may be exposed to while driving.
​The selected material had to be characterized by high temperature resistance and flexibility, as well as excellent chemical resistance to oils, greases and weather conditions. The best solution in this case turned out to be the re-use of 3D printing, which, thanks to low production costs, made it possible to carry out product tests in a short time. Already in the second iteration of the project, the articulation guard turned out to be perfectly suited to the car. The joint covers were printed on an OmniSTART printer using TPU-93A filament. The tests confirmed the design correctness of the element and its efficiency in line with the assumptions. The TPU-93A material used provided the expected flexibility, strength and chemical resistance.

​3D printing turned out to be the best choice for the production of final parts for the new PRZ Racing Car. Thanks to the 3D printer, the production time of the elements was shorter by several weeks and about 5-6 thousand zlotys cheaper. The 3D printed joint covers are half lighter than a traditionally made element, and thanks to the freedom of geometry changes, it was possible to create a fully individually tailored product, obtaining the best possible protection of the joints.
INDUSTRY:
Automotive
CLIENT:
PRz Racing Team
CATEGORY:
Prototyping, low-volume production, final product
MATERIAL:
CF-PA-12
PRINT TIME:
65 h
WEIGHT:
570 g (0,2 layer)
SIZE:
​291 x 290 x 226 mm + 291 x 290