3D scanning has always been an integral part of how motorsport cars are designed and tested. A.P.R, a leading performance aftermarket supplier for a wide range of vehicles, has been designing, manufacturing, and managing racing cars for over two decades, and they are now utilizing the Einscan HX 3D scanners to boost the development and efficiency of race car components.
The Pursuit of Developing Faster Cars
Wind tunnel models of race cars are the standard way to analyze the aerodynamic performances of the vehicle. However, testing is an extremely time and money-consuming process, and the results can be inaccurate due to multiple variables. Computational fluid dynamic simulation tests, CFD, have a lower entry cost and provide a faster and easier way to modify the design of a race car. 3D scanning has been an integral part of collecting the shape and structure of these cars for CFD simulations. These large-scale and high-resolution scans are easily performed with the EinScan HX hybrid light source handheld 3D scanner. In fact, this has allowed A.P.R’s team to produce high-quality data on performance parts in mere minutes.
The affordable Einscan HX eliminates the need for outsourcing 3D scans
All it takes is the right computer and a simple setup to get the 3D scanner ready to capture high-quality data and import mesh data into CAD software for design work. Wind tunnel models consist of black, white, and reflectively plated areas, which are all surfaces that the EinScan HX handles well. The high precision of this scanner also makes the scanning data accurate and eliminates the need for re-measurement.
Wind tunnel model and scanning data, courtesy of Shining3D
Laser scanning with markers, courtesy of Shining3D
Blue LED light scanning without markers, courtesy of Shining3D
Once the 3D model is created, we can run it through CFD simulation software, modify the design, and repeat the simulation until we are satisfied with the results.
“The Einscan HX has also helped us in the car repair business of APR. Acquiring old car parts can be a costly endeavor, often costing hundreds of thousands of yen. However, with the help of a 3D scanner, broken originals can be scanned, repaired in 3D softwares, and molded using a 3D printer to produce new parts. We aim to offer these parts online and turn it into a profitable business model," stated the company owner.
APR’s investment into affordable 3D scanning technology has revitalized its performance parts development program. The combination of 3D scanning, software, and printing is transforming the way we design and create motorsport components and faster cars. Book a demo with us to see how you can use the Einscan HX for your ideas today!
