NASCAR Names Stratasys as Official 3D Printing Partner
Stratasys has announced an expanded, long-term partnership with NASCAR, becoming the exclusive provider of 3D printing solutions for the racing organization. NASCAR will now exclusively use Stratasys technology for creating parts and tools, replacing previously used systems. This partnership includes the opening of a new 3D printing lab at the NASCAR Research & Development Center in Concord, North Carolina, equipped with Stratasys technologies such as the F370, 450mc, F900 (FDM printers), and a Neo 800 (SLA printer). These tools will help enhance research, development, and parts production for NASCAR's national racing series.
"Partnering with Stratasys allows NASCAR to push the boundaries of performance and accuracy like never before," said John Probst, Executive Vice President, Chief Racing Development Officer at NASCAR. "Their 3D printing technology empowers us to quickly iterate and optimize components, ensuring that our staff have the best possible machines to stay ahead in this high-stakes environment."
The expanded partnership also includes the integration of Stratasys FDM® (Fused Deposition Modeling) and NEO® stereolithography (SL) technologies, supporting applications such as aerodynamic testing and high-precision tooling. These advances will allow for faster design cycles and on-demand production of custom components.
NASCAR engineers are already using 3D printed parts in NASCAR Cup Series cars. For example, Stratasys Direct Manufacturing has produced a cold air inlet vent using the H350 SAF printer and plant-based Nylon11 material, while FDM printers have produced NACA ducts for cooling the engine.
"Our partnership with NASCAR allows Stratasys to showcase the unique advantages of 3D printing in motorsports," said Rich Garrity, Chief Business Unit Officer at Stratasys. "From on-demand manufacturing of custom components to speeding up the design cycle, we’re helping NASCAR with faster production times and enhanced part performance."
A TRACK RECORD of Automotive Innovation
Stratasys 3D printers have a long history of giving automotive teams a critical competitive edge.
Joe Gibbs Racing
Adapting to the specific challenges of each race means NASCAR teams often modify their cars every week. The cars typically return from a race on Monday and are shipped out again Thursday, leaving engineers only three days to get feedback from drivers, then build, test and install new parts on the car. This process rarely gets done to the teams’ satisfaction when using traditional manufacturing, which is why engineers from Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) use 3D printing.
Roush Performance
"The Roush camera mount project was a major step to prove that SAF technology can go way beyond just printing prototypes," said Matt Paul, Additive Manufacturing Sales Rep at GoEngineer. "A major automotive OEM is leveraging printed parts that meet testing standards, fit well on the vehicle and are sustainable enough for production specs. Using end-use printed parts to replace traditionally manufactured components is a game changer. "
General Motors
Stratasys FDM has become a choice vendor for automotive applications: Scott Schwarz, Additive Manufacturing Sales Rep, explains: "After working closely with the GM team, they picked Stratasys FDM as the industry standard because of accuracy and repliability tied to their equipment."
McLaren Racing
Formula One is synonymous with aerodynamics. While CAD and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) are key to the development of a Formula One car, wind tunnel testing is still the gold standard when assessing a complete car. McLaren prints 60% scale models of new designs on a Stratasys Neo 800 3D printer for wind tunnel testing to optimize the aerodynamic package.
3D Printing as a Service
GoEngineer offers comprehensive 3D printing services across multiple U.S. labs, equipped with cutting-edge Stratasys FDM, PolyJet, Stereolithography, P3 and SAF technologies for 3D printed prototypes or production parts. Request your quote online today!
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About Erica Manzella
As a member of GoEngineer's Marketing team, Erica works to spark conversation and learning by fostering GoEngineer's 3D Design community. The defining goal of every campaign is to ensure that each user stays on the cutting edge of their industry (and has fun doing it.)
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