When the goal is to build a competitive Formula Student car, every gram and every millimeter counts. The Formula Student Oulu team from the University of Oulu and Oulu University of Applied Sciences is developing a self-designed formula car for international competitions.
Aliner3D has been involved in the project by 3D printing molds for the manufacture of carbon fiber parts, as well as performance-optimized aero parts and prototypes to support the car’s development.
Formula Student combines engineering and motorsports
Formula Student is an international competition in which student teams build a fully functional formula car and compete against other universities on well-known European race tracks. In addition to the car’s performance, the competition evaluates its design, innovation, cost-effectiveness, and technical execution.
These cars aren't just show models. They're actually used for racing on the track, for example:
- in drag races
- on track laps
- in endurance races
- in efficiency and performance tests.
Competitions are held in Germany, Austria, and the Czech Republic, among other places.
Lightweight carbon fiber parts require precise molds
Modern Formula Student cars make extensive use of carbon fiber. The advantages of this material include its extremely lightweight construction and high strength. However, the manufacturing of carbon fiber parts always begins with a high-quality mold.
Aliner3D manufactured molds for the Formula Student Oulu team, which the team can use to produce carbon fiber parts for the car. The key aspects of the mold manufacturing process include:
- measurement accuracy
- surface quality
- structural rigidity
- design optimization
- production speed
When part fit and aerodynamics are critical, the molds must also meet extremely high standards.
3D technology speeds up product development
3D technologies offer significant advantages for motorsports. 3D scanning and reverse engineering, 3D design, and 3D printing accelerate development and enable the production of lightweight and complex structures.
In Formula Student projects, development cycles are fast-paced. Components are constantly tested, updated, and optimized for competition use. In this environment, rapid manufacturing methods and precise design offer a significant competitive advantage.
Aliner3D’s expertise is ideally suited to projects like these, which combine:
- performance
- lightweight construction
- rapid prototypes
- technical precision
- demanding operating conditions
- complex shapes
- hollow structures
- copies
Collaboration supports future skills
Formula Student also serves as a hands-on learning environment for future engineers, designers, and technology professionals. The projects help develop the skills needed in real-world product development and industry.
For Aliner3D, the collaboration with the Formula Student Oulu team is an opportunity to contribute to the development of Finnish technological expertise and future innovations.
Are you looking for a product that isn't available off the shelf?
Would you like a replacement part based on your old part, or a completely new product?
Do you have a finished 3D model just waiting to be brought to life?
Aliner3D manufactures products quickly and flexibly, with no minimum order quantities. We 3D print single units, prototypes, and small production runs according to our customers’ needs.
For example, we can manufacture:
- spare parts and products that are no longer available
- customized products for various applications
- prototypes and product development components
- molds, covers, and cases
- Functional 3D prints for businesses, the military, and industry
Even if you don’t have finished drawings, we can create the product based on an existing part, model, or idea. We utilize 3D scanning, CAD design, and modern 3D printing technology.
Why choose Aliner3D?
- Domestic, ecological, and responsible 3D production in Oulu
- Fast and cost-effective manufacturing, from design to finished product
- A wide range of materials for various applications
- Recyclable and bio-based materials are also available
- No minimum order quantities.
We can manufacture the product:
- based on an old spare part
- based on a sketch or measurements
- based on a completely new idea
- from a finished 3D model
We can provide you with products ranging from single units to small batches quickly and flexibly.
We'll bring your idea to life quickly and cost-effectively in Oulu, Finland.
Request a quote for our 3D services today
Aliner3D’s service solutions are always tailored to the customer’s needs. We design and manufacture solutions quickly, flexibly, and cost-effectively.
Hanna Häkkinen
041 328 7720
aliner3d@aliner.fi