OM in the News: 3D Printing Gets the Checkered Flag

3D printing, or additive manufacturing, is often used for design testing, prototypes, and custom products and increasingly for high-volume products (as noted on page 295 in Ch.7 of your OM text). However, speed is another attribute of 3D printing, as noted by IndyCar in Industry Week (Aug. 21, 2020). As cars prepared for the Iowa 250 race, additive manufacturing found anew way to save the day – fixing an unanticipated issue for IndyCar ( which is the sanctioning body for open wheel car racing… the centerpiece being the Indianapolis 500).

Specifically, when IndyCar made a change to the rules for the 2020 season, they added an aeroscreen wrap-around cockpit windscreen to help protect the driver by deflecting any flying debris away from the driver’s helmet. But, in doing so it restricted the cooling air from flowing into the cockpit and around the driver’s head creating grueling conditions for drivers.

The IndyCar team quickly realized only 3D printing could produce an alternative ahead of the Iowa 250s race within a tight one-week timeframe.  IndyCar turned to Stratasys 3D printing technology to develop a new “scoop” to move hot air out of the cockpit. Each scoop took Stratasys about nine hours to print, and in roughly 48 hours, IndyCar had enough scoops for all 24 of its cars just in time for the Iowa 250s doubleheader race. Fans can also see the scoop in action at the upcoming Indy 500.

The speed demonstrated by this 3D printing application documents the growing breath of additive manufacturing. “Obviously, we can’t produce every part on the car but for internal parts, wire and hose guides, ducting or electronics enclosures additive is ideal,” says a Stratus engineer. “It is all about using the right tool for the job.”

Classroom discussion questions:
1. How does additive manufacturing differ from traditional supply chains?
2. What are the limitations of additive manufacturing?