Tuesday, January 19, 2021
MCNews
  • NEWSLatest
  • REVIEWS
  • LATEST BIKES
  • RACING
  • FEATURES
  • TOURING
  • MEDIA
    • GALLERY
  • MORE
    • POPULAR ARTICLES
    • MCNEWS COMMENTS
    • MAIN FORUM
    • CONTACT US
    • ABOUT US
No Result
View All Result
MCNews
  • NEWSLatest
  • REVIEWS
  • LATEST BIKES
  • RACING
  • FEATURES
  • TOURING
  • MEDIA
    • GALLERY
  • MORE
    • POPULAR ARTICLES
    • MCNEWS COMMENTS
    • MAIN FORUM
    • CONTACT US
    • ABOUT US
No Result
View All Result
No Result
View All Result
MCNews

BMW take 3D printing to the track

3D printing in motorcycle development goes mobile

Motorcycle News by Motorcycle News
October 13, 2020
in BMW News, WSBK
Reading Time: 3min read
Home Motorcycle News Motorcycle Racing WSBK
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare

BMW talk 3D component printing at the circuit


We’ve all heard stories about how in a few short years we’ll be whipping up replacement components for our cars, motorcycles or home appliances via a 3D printer, BMW Motorrad are showing just how true this is by using this technology at the circuit, both for prototyping and for simple components.

BMW Motorrad Motorsport relies on this technology with the BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team, as it enables fast and efficient production of new prototype components right at the circuit. These can then be tested on the BMW S 1000 RR before they go into final production in Munich or at supplier locations. It also means that smaller parts that are often not subject to intense stresses can be made on-site and then used in races.

The BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team can have components printed on the day
The BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team can have components printed on the day

Normally, the process is that engineers develop new components, which are simulated on computers, manufactured in metal or carbon, installed on the motorbike and then tested on the racetrack. However, the 3D printing capability makes it possible to develop and test new components during race operations. BMW Motorrad Motorsport has a portable 3D printer that travels to each circuit in the truck and is then assembled in the BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team pit area on race weekends in the FIM Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK).

Marc Bongers – BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director

“This technology allows us to make improvements to the RR quickly and efficiently. The development of a WorldSBK bike is an ongoing process and it is often the minor details that make a motorbike better. Behind the scenes, our engineers are always working on adjusting and optimising individual bike components, all within the framework of changes permitted by the regulations. We can use 3D printing to implement these at the racetrack, even during race events. We then take the acquired data and the subsequent analyses – combined with comments from the drivers or input from the mechanics working on the bike itself – and generate input for the development team. This input contributes to the emergence of ideas that can be implemented directly in existing constructions or in simulations and iterative processes that lead to new constructions, all of which are executed in CAD. The new components are printed as plastic variants and their functions and ease of installation are checked on the bike. This process is now much faster than when we had to wait until the parts were produced either internally or externally and made available for evaluation at the racetrack. It is also easier to evaluate potential touching with surrounding parts or restricted access than it would be on screen.”

Prototypes can be tested as a result, before a full production version is created
Prototypes can be tested as a result, before a full production version is created

Another advantage is if an adjustment is required, it can often be made to the existing plastic part and then implemented in CAD. This process can be swiftly repeated as often as required, until the part corresponds 100 percent to the requirements. First, a ‘dummy print’ is created for the component which then can be directly evaluated and adjusted.

Marc Bongers

“Normally, you have finished components that you have developed with calculation, construction and simulation, and which you then evaluate during testing or on race weekends. The risk is always that, as the complete package becomes ever more complex, errors in construction, difficulties with installation or access to the part can be overlooked. 3D printing allows us to create parts quickly and cost-effectively, and to optimise this during the ongoing process. As soon as we have the part just as we need it, we send the final data to the workshop, which then manufactures it for competitive racing from a suitable material, normally metal or carbon.”

This offers the advantage of much faster research and development
This offers the advantage of much faster research and development

An example from the WorldSBK double-header at Jerez (ESP) and Portimão (POR) shows how fast and efficient this procedure is. In Jerez, the linkage system of the rear shock absorber was optimised, based on the riding data. A prototype of the 3D-printed part was installed and tested. The final data was then sent to the supplier, who then used the data to manufacture a new linkage system between the race days.

A few days later, in time for the start of the next race weekend at Portimão, it was available for installation on the BMW S 1000 RR. If smaller components or spare parts, which are not subject to such extreme stresses, need to be manufactured, the complete process can take place on-site with the 3D printer. Examples for such parts include adjustment levers, sensor holders and quick-release couplings.

BMW Group’s in-house Additive Manufacturing Campus (AMC) offer even more advanced 3D printing facilities

However, if the printer on site at the track doesn’t have sufficient capabilities, the options provided by the BMW Group’s in-house Additive Manufacturing Campus (AMC) are practically infinite. The BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team is working closely with the Additive Manufacturing Campus.

This channel provides the team with unique access to not only the advisory 3D printing experts, but also to a comprehensive range of printing methods and various materials for different applications. Manufacturing of the components can be triggered directly from the track, via BMW’s own systems.

Examples of parts that are printed in plastics or metals directly for use on the World Superbike include brake ventilation in plastics reinforced with carbon fibre, complex moulded parts, titanium crash pads, aluminium distributor boxes and aerodynamic trim parts.

Previous Post

Boris on the Le Mans MotoGP

Next Post

Australian Motocross Championship rebranded as ProMX

Motorcycle News

Motorcycle News

Related Articles

Jason O’Halloran wins dramatic opening race at Brands

British Superbike updates 2021 schedule

January 19, 2021
Yet another motorcycle museum goes up in flames

Yet another motorcycle museum goes up in flames

January 19, 2021
Benelli 752S Review

AMA Supercross Images from Houston season opener | Gallery B

January 19, 2021
Is this the BMW R 18 Darth Vader would ride?

Is this the BMW R 18 Darth Vader would ride?

January 19, 2021
Brook leads Jack Miller as North Brisbane Cup gets underway

North Brisbane Cup Dirt Track Images | Gallery B

January 19, 2021
WorldSBK hits Aragon this weekend

Leon Camier debuts as HRC Team Manager this week at Jerez

January 18, 2021
Load More
Next Post
ProMX announced by Motorcycling Australia

Australian Motocross Championship rebranded as ProMX

Langen 250cc injected two-stroke twin for the road | 75 hp | 114 kg

Langen 250cc injected two-stroke twin for the road | 75 hp | 114 kg

Yamaha announce 2021 WorldSBK rider line-up

Yamaha announce 2021 WorldSBK rider line-up

SOCIALS

  • 20.1k Fans
  • 6.6k Followers
  • Trending
  • Comments
  • Latest
Moto News Weekly | Wildwood 2020 | Dakar prep’ | Signings

Toby Price crashes out of Dakar 2021

January 12, 2021
AMA SX Round Two

2020 North Brisbane Cup category winners declared

January 17, 2021
Big shake up in the top order at Dakar as race leader pulls out

Big shake up in the top order at Dakar as race leader pulls out

January 14, 2021
Price 1s off overall lead after Stage Seven | Sanders finishes fifth

Zip-ties hold on for Price in second | Sanders grits through to P7

January 11, 2021
Brook leads Jack Miller as North Brisbane Cup gets underway

Brook leads Jack Miller as North Brisbane Cup gets underway

January 16, 2021
Husqvarna 701 Enduro LR Review

Husqvarna 701 Enduro LR Review

Honda's CRF Kids/Juniors range - The CRF50F, CRF110F, CRF125F and CRF125FB

Huge increase in motorcycle sales fuelled by off-road and ATV market

Is this the BMW R 18 Darth Vader would ride?

Is this the BMW R 18 Darth Vader would ride?

Big shake up in the top order at Dakar as race leader pulls out

Big shake up in the top order at Dakar as race leader pulls out

2021 Moto Guzzi V85 TT & V9 variants updated

2021 Moto Guzzi V85 TT & V9 variants updated

Jason O’Halloran wins dramatic opening race at Brands

British Superbike updates 2021 schedule

January 19, 2021
Yet another motorcycle museum goes up in flames

Yet another motorcycle museum goes up in flames

January 19, 2021
Benelli 752S Review

AMA Supercross Images from Houston season opener | Gallery B

January 19, 2021
Is this the BMW R 18 Darth Vader would ride?

Is this the BMW R 18 Darth Vader would ride?

January 19, 2021
Brook leads Jack Miller as North Brisbane Cup gets underway

North Brisbane Cup Dirt Track Images | Gallery B

January 19, 2021

SUPPORT OUR SUPPORTERS

INCASE YOU MISSED

  • All
  • Bike Reviews
  • Motorcycle Racing
  • Latest Bikes
  • Features
  • Motorcycle Gallery
  • Touring
Moto News Weekly | Wildwood 2020 | Dakar prep’ | Signings

Toby Price crashes out of Dakar 2021

January 12, 2021
Price 1s off overall lead after Stage Seven | Sanders finishes fifth

Zip-ties hold on for Price in second | Sanders grits through to P7

January 11, 2021
2021 New Zealand Superbike Championship underway

2021 New Zealand Superbike Championship underway

January 14, 2021
Motorcycle News, Sport and Reviews

MCNEWS.COM.AU is a specialist on-line resource that provides motorcycle news for motorcyclists. MCNews covers all areas of interest for the motorcycling public including news, reviews and comprehensive racing coverage.

© 2021 MCNews

No Result
View All Result
  • NEWS
    • ALL NEWS
    • ALL NEWS CONDENSED
    • BMW News
    • Honda News
    • Husqvarna News
    • KTM News
    • Suzuki News
    • Yamaha News
    • Triumph News
    • Ducati News
    • Moto Guzzi News
    • Royal Enfield News
    • Kawasaki News
    • Aprilia News
    • Harley News
    • Indian News
    • MV Agusta News
    • Benelli News
    • Gas Gas News
    • BETA News
    • Norton News
    • Victory News
    • EBR News
    • E-Bike News
    • Scooter News
    • LAMS News
    • ATV / SSV News
  • REVIEWS
    • All Bike Reviews
    • LAMS Reviews
    • KTM Reviews
    • Honda Reviews
    • Yamaha Reviews
    • Triumph Reviews
    • BMW Reviews
    • Suzuki Reviews
    • Ducati Reviews
    • Kawasaki Reviews
    • Husqvarna Reviews
    • Aprilia Reviews
    • Benelli Reviews
    • BETA Reviews
    • CFMoto Reviews
    • E-Bike Reviews
    • EBR Reviews
    • Gas Gas Reviews
    • Harley Reviews
    • Indian Reviews
    • Kymco Reviews
    • Moto Guzzi Reviews
    • MV Agusta Reviews
    • Norton Reviews
    • Royal Enfield Reviews
    • Scooter Reviews
    • Sherco Reviews
    • Victory Reviews
  • LATEST BIKES
    • ALL LATEST BIKES NEWS
    • BMW
    • Honda
    • Husqvarna
    • KTM
    • Suzuki
    • Yamaha
    • Triumph
    • Ducati
    • Moto Guzzi
    • Royal Enfield
    • Kawasaki
    • Aprilia
    • Harley
    • Indian
    • MV Agusta
    • Benelli
    • Gas Gas
    • BETA
    • Norton
    • Victory
    • E-Bike
    • Scooters
    • LAMS
  • RACING
    • ALL RACING
    • ROAD
      • MotoGP
      • WSBK
      • ASBK
      • BSB
      • Real Road / TT
      • Historic Road Racing
      • Japan / Asian Road Racing
      • Endurance Road Racing
      • American Road Racing
      • NZ Road Racing
      • Supermoto
    • DIRT
      • Supercross
      • AMA MX
      • Australian MX
      • MXGP
      • Enduro / Rally
      • Dirt / Flat Track
      • Speedway
  • FEATURES
  • TOURING
  • GALLERY
  • LATEST COMMENTS
  • POPULAR ARTICLES
  • CONTACT
  • ABOUT US
  • COMMUNITY FORUM

© 2021 MCNews