McLaren-Honda and Stratasys have announced a new partnership, which entails bringing the uPrint SE Plus 3D printer on-site to track testings and races.

While some of the world’s fastest vehicles line up at this month’s Bahrain Grand Prix, a 3D printer will also be on the scene. McLaren-Honda recently announced a partnership with Stratasys, using their 3D printing technology to develop their high-speed Formula 1 cars. 

The two companies have announced a four-year partnership. Stratasys is now the “Official Supplier of 3D Printing Solutions” to the McLaren-Honda Formula 1 team.

The idea behind the collaboration is to produce small parts to improve the overall performance of their cars. The Formula 1 team will also use more 3D printed end-use components.

McLaren hopes that 3D printing will help cut time for producing parts. Eric Boulier, the Racing Director for McLaren recently stated: “It has become clear that motorsport’s reliance on rapid prototyping and additive manufacturing, and the ability to radically cut time to market, is increasing.”

Stratasys and McLaren Improve Formula 1 Car Parts

Parts that are 3D printed on McLaren’s 2017 Formula 1 MCL32 car include a flexible radio harness assembly, hydraulic line bracket, carbon fiber composite brake cooling ducts, and a rear wing flap.

Neil Oatley, Director of Design and Development at McLaren Racing, points out one limitation. He claims that 3D printing can’t produce components that are exposed to high aerodynamic forces.

Oatley went on to explain:

“We are consistently modifying and improving our Formula 1 car designs, so the ability to test new designs quickly is critical to making the car lighter and more importantly increasing the number of tangible iterations in improved car performance. If we can bring new developments to the car one race earlier – going from new idea to new part in only a few days – this will be a key factor in making the McLaren MCL32 more competitive.”

McLaren Honda will be bringing a Stratasys uPrint SE Plus on-site to track testings and races. This will enable the team to produce parts and tooling on demand. By having a printer onsite, production times can be considerably reduced while the design process is accelerated.

The cars race at speeds of around 227mph (365 km/h).  They are also capable of lateral acceleration and reaching 15,000 revolutions per minute.  According to McLaren, during a season, a car is upgraded every 15 to 17 minutes. So of course, when it comes to Formula 1, mere seconds can make a huge difference in where you place. That’s why 3D printing is here to help.

Source: McLaren Racing