[3D Printing] BCN3D Printed Train Pod Wins Hyperloop Competition!

【3D Printing Application】The BCN3D 3D printed train won the Hyperloop Pod Competition!

Hyperloop CHF used the BCN3D Epsilon W50 in the 2021 Valencia Hyperloop Competition to rapidly and effectively 3D print molds and various end-use parts from different materials, creating a high-speed subsonic train prototype that even won the Hyperloop Pod Competition!

The international Hyperloop Pod Competition, inspired by Elon Musk, aims to create the fifth mode of transportation, allowing talented university students worldwide to showcase their creativity. One of the standout teams was Hyperloop CHF from the CHF Association in Madrid. They used the BCN3D Epsilon W50 and BCN3D materials to form and manufacture end-use parts, creating a unique streamlined pod prototype.

Goals of the Hyperloop Pod Competition

The Hyperloop Competition is based on creating a blueprint for an ultra-high-speed train that will change the way we travel in the future. Essentially, passengers sit in protective pods, enjoying a luxurious ride on floating tracks, reaching their destinations at unprecedented speeds.
This was the Hyperloop CHF team's first time competing. They had a budget of only 100,000 Euros to complete the design and functional prototype, including everything from the casing to the internal mechanics. They built a "hypertrack" to test their prototype, preventing any friction and ensuring it operated as expected.

3D Printing Accelerates Production Process

The students needed a local and professional 3D printer, and BCN3D reseller Sicnova recommended the BCN3D Epsilon W50. Its large size and versatility perfectly met their needs. The ecosystem between programming and 3D printing technology was easy to introduce, faster, and more efficient, thus improving their workflow. Saving time and money gave them more design freedom, which also became an advantage for Hyperloop CHF. Hyperloop CHF's subsonic high-speed train prototype measures 1.24 meters, with dimensions of 2x1x1 meters. Since it needs to fly at high speeds, ensuring the safety of the battery pack is crucial. Hyperloop CHF experimented with various materials with BCN3D and Sicnova to see which properties would enhance their prototype, concluding that the high-temperature resistance of ABS delivered the best performance.

The 3D printed end-use parts were also very important for system stability. The wheels were printed with TPU, capable of withstanding high temperatures and forces. The brackets were made of carbon fiber, making the support system strong and reliable. The outer shell mold was also indirectly made using 3D printing. During rigorous testing on the hypertrack, the team found that PLA maintained its performance at speeds up to 120 km/h and was easy to print. Each large piece required 16 hours of printing, which is where the large size advantage of the BCN3D Epsilon W50 came into play! The parts were assembled, sanded, painted, and then formed into the carbon fiber shell mold, while maintaining a smooth and streamlined exterior as much as possible.

With the 3D printed parts installed and tested, during the competition countdown, the team focused on perfecting the propulsion system and LC model. Only 4 out of 11 teams passed all tests, and as the only team from a vocational training center, it was an impressive feat! Their next goal is to improve the propulsion system and casing to achieve 550 kilometers per hour.

This valuable learning opportunity has equipped students with knowledge of 3D printing design and production, and it seems a wave is about to be made in Industry 4.0!

Did you enjoy this sharing? We offer more than just 3D printing. Contact us now to learn more about the BCN3D Epsilon W50.

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