Aston Martin AMR-One LMP1 Car Built Using 3D Printing

Aston Martin Racing’s AMR-One LMP1 racer has been revealed in early March as the company’s Le Mans racer for 2011. Developed in under six months, the car will be driven by the Aston Martin Racing works team drivers in the 2011 Intercontinental Le Mans Cup (ILMC).The car was developed from start to finish between autumn 2010 and the end of February 2011.

Aston Martin Racing (AMR) was able to meet an aggressive development schedule for their AMR-One race car by using 3D printing, a technology that helped prove out design for various components of the AMR-One race car, including the engine, Stratasys says.

“When we received final sign-off to build the car for this year’s ILMC, using rapid prototyping was a no-brainer for us, as we had a tight deadline to meet. Most of the engine was prototyped on the Dimension machine, which also proved very useful for the early stages of determining the driver fit for the car,” stated George Howard-Chappell, Technical Director at Aston Martin Racing. “Without the 3D printer, we would not be testing the car today. Following the success with the AMR-One, we hope to utilise the capabilities of another Stratasys machine to help build and deliver end-use parts for future cars.”

“The AMR-One has achieved a balance of aesthetics and aerodynamics, and FDM technology has helped make this possible,” added Tim Heller, European Managing Director for Stratasys. “We wish the Aston Martin Racing team the best of luck with the upcoming season."

Aston Martin Racing is also exploring the idea of using the 3D printer to make finished parts for end-use on the car. One item being considered is the front wing splitters used for aerodynamic flow.