CRP Technology has signed a technical partnership contract with MoRe Modena Racing, the automotive team of the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia involved in the international Formula Student competition.
The agreement, lasting two years and renewable, provides that CRP Technology will supply the team with its 3D printing services using Laser Sintering technology and Windform SLS materials for the production of parts and components according to the specifications agreed upon by the parties.
Franco Cevolini, CEO and Technical Director of CRP Technology, states: "The collaboration is going great and we have already made several components in various materials from the Windform range for the new 2024 racing car, the prototype with hybrid engine M24-LH, just unveiled. We are pleased to have embarked on this path, which we are also pursuing with our sister company, CRP Meccanica, known for its high-performance CNC machining. For over 50 years, CRP companies have been serving the motorsport world, and collaborating with Formula SAE represents another piece in this long tradition. It does not scare us, rather, it offers us the opportunity to develop new solutions that can later be used in higher categories."
"The partnership with the MoRe Modena Racing students – continues Cevolini – allows us to concretely implement the principles that have always inspired the CRP companies: support for innovation and research in the motorsport and automotive sector; contribute to the training and education of students by providing them with practical experiences and specific skills, but also facilitating the transfer of technologies and knowledge between industry and academia. Not to mention direct access to young talents who have already worked on concrete projects and acquired specific skills, and who can thus be recruited by companies."
Regarding the parts made for the team, Cevolini specifies: "Our 3D printing department, characterized by the most advanced SLS printers and Windform advanced materials, allows us to create highly precise parts with high mechanical performance. We are proud to support the talent and passion of the MoRe Modena Racing team students, contributing to developing innovative solutions that can make a difference on the track."
To date, CRP Technology has manufactured the following components for the aerodynamic system of MoRe Modena Racing's new 2024 racing car, which will participate in various events of the Formula Student championship starting form July 21st in Austria circuit:
This collaboration represents an important step towards innovation and excellence in the world of student automotive competitions, demonstrating how 3D printing technology and advanced materials can make a difference in terms of performance and competitiveness.
Additionally, CRP USA, the CRP Technology’s partner company, has long had a fruitful collaboration with the UVic Formula Racing team at the University of Victoria. In this case as well, Windform materials and 3D printing technology have been crucial in supporting the Canadian team, contributing to the creation of advanced components that improve the efficiency and competitiveness of their racing vehicles.
The hybrid prototype, named M24 - LH, builds on the strengths and expertise that the team has developed with previous years' vehicles. The car features a carbon fiber monocoque chassis with a total weight of 19 kg, optimized to integrate all other subsystems. It includes fully adjustable pull-rod front suspension and push-rod rear suspension.
The powertrain is based on a longitudinally mounted, motorcycle-derived inline four-cylinder engine (Suzuki GSX-R), extensively modified and optimized for Formula Student competitions. It runs on ethanol to minimize environmental impact and maximize efficiency. The new element for the 2023/2024 season is the hybrid aspect of the vehicle. Complementing the powertrain is a low-voltage (<60V) system consisting of a custom-built battery pack that powers two electric motors, one for each front wheel. These motors transfer power to the wheels through a two-stage planetary gear reducer. The entire hybrid system delivers over 100 HP, with the vehicle weighing approximately 220 kg. The car also features a fully carbon fiber aerodynamic package that generates 210 kg of downforce at 100 km/h.
This new challenge is driven by continuous research and innovation from students, supervising professors, and local companies that believe in the project, all sharing a passion for motorsport.
For the MoRe Modena Racing team, the collaboration with CRP Technology has been incredibly significant and stimulating, as it allowed them to utilize materials and printing technologies previously unavailable to the team. "It is always appreciated to see renowned companies believe in our team, composed solely of young university students, and invest in us, enabling us to carry out projects that would otherwise be extremely difficult to develop," says Beatrice Terzo, Team Leader of the MMR team.
