Ostfildern, Germany – November 14, 2023
In a remarkable partnership, INTAMSYS proudly backs the Solar Team Eindhoven from the Eindhoven University of Technology with industrial FFF 3D printing. The World’s first off-road solar powered car successfully conclude the ultimate test: navigating the challenging terrain from Morocco to the Sahara Desert. It signifies a monumental achievement in sustainable mobility.
Stella Terra (Photo credit: STE/Bart van Overbeeke)
Navigating Challenges: Stella Terra's Unmatched Off-Road Durability and the Thriving Partnership
Stella Terra, road-legal by EU regulations, breaks new ground as the first solar-powered off-road vehicle globally. Its self-sustaining energy source eliminates the need for recharging stations, enabling it to conquer diverse terrains with ease. With a maximum speed of 145 kilometers per hour, a lightweight design at 1200 kilograms, and an impressive range of 710 kilometers on a sunny day, Stella Terra is a testament to the power of solar innovation.
It’s worth noting that creating a solar vehicle like Stella Terra poses unique challenges. Traditional manufacturing processes, typically geared for mass production, prove costly and time-consuming for bespoke projects like this one. This limitation brings to the forefront the pivotal role of 3D printing, especially in the fabrication of custom parts that are integral to the vehicle’s design and performance.
Stella Terra Reveal (Photo Credit: STE/Bart van Overbeeke)
Revolutionary 3D Printing Partnership with INTAMSYS to Empower Student Innovators
In pursuit of unparalleled durability and strength for Stella Terra, Solar Team Eindhoven forged a strategic partnership with INTAMSYS, a globally renowned additive manufacturing company specializing in automotive applications. This collaboration extended beyond the provision of 3D printing equipment, software, and materials. INTAMSYS went the extra mile by offering comprehensive training to the students, empowering them with the skills to proficiently operate 3D printers.
The training sessions at the STE office in Eindhoven (Photo credit: STE)
Following these successful training sessions, the Solar Team Eindhoven seamlessly integrated INTAMSYS FUNMAT 3D Printers, into their workflow, complemented by INTAMSYS’ advanced slicing software, INTAMSUITE™. This innovative software not only facilitates the preparation of CAD files for the printing phase but also enables the selection of printing materials. Such capabilities empower the students to visualize the outcome before initiating the printing process, adding a layer of precision and efficiency to their additive manufacturing endeavors. This collaboration with INTAMSYS combines cutting-edge technology with hands-on training to elevate the solar-powered car project to new heights.
Solar Team Eindhoven embraced INTAMSYS FUNMAT HT, a desktop FFF 3D Printer, and INTAMSUITE™ slicing software. The FUNMAT HT, capable of printing not only high-performance polymers like PEEK, but also all traditional engineering materials like PA, PC, ABS, and others, contributed to the rapid development of components crucial for Stella Terra’s success.
The Front Light Housing (Photo Credit: STE)
Key components, such as a side camera cover and attachments for the ventilation/heating system, were swiftly designed, and produced using INTAMSYS technology. The collaboration extended to the FUNMAT PRO 610HT, INTAMSYS’ large build volume printer, crafting Stella Terra’s front light housing with precision using PC-ABS. The printer’s sizable build capacity allows for the creation of large-scale parts tailored to diverse performance requirements. PC and PC-ABS, chosen for their high printing quality, mechanical strength, and heat resistance, cater to specific needs. PC excels in impact strength, while PC-ABS offers a refined surface finish and compatibility with metal plating. This thoughtful material selection ensures optimal functionality for Stella Terra’s components.
INTAMSYS FUNMAT PRO 610HT
The integration of 3D printing, particularly in the partnership with INTAMSYS, not only presented a cost-effective and time-efficient solution compared to traditional mass production methods but also showcased the significant advantages of 3D printing technology in the automotive industry. Beyond its economic and temporal benefits, 3D printing technology stands out for its ability to greatly enhance design flexibility, enabling customized designs. This, coupled with the capacity to reduce vehicle weight while maintaining strength, exemplifies how 3D printing contributes to energy conservation in the automotive sector.
After its public debut in September, Stella Terra embarked on a transformative journey through diverse Moroccan landscapes, covering over a thousand kilometers without recharging. The ultimate test in the Sahara Desert showcased Stella Terra’s capability to pave the way for a sustainable future.
The finish at the Sahara Desert (Photo credit: STE/Rien Boonstoppel)
INTAMSYS remains unwavering in its commitment to supporting
students as they embark on a journey of creativity and sustainability,
underscoring the company’s broader mission to drive transformative changes
through the continuous evolution of 3D printing technology.
Introduction to partners in this case
About Solar Team Eindhoven
Solar Team Eindhoven builds innovative, efficient cars powered by the sun. The team has previously won the World Solar Challenge in Australia four times in a row, competing in the family car class (Cruiser Class). With the Stellas, the team wants to demonstrate that the transition to a sustainable future offers reasons for optimism. And encourage individuals and companies to accelerate the energy transition.
INTAMSYS is a world-leading high-tech company that provides high-performance 3D printing materials, direct additive manufacturing solutions and software. Co-founded by a team of engineers with years of precision equipment development and high-performance material research, the company is headquartered in Shanghai. Currently, it has established a complete marketing and after-sales service system covering the whole world, with 2 European and American marketing and technical service centers, respectively located in Germany and in the United States. INTAMSYS focuses on aerospace, automotive, electronic manufacturing, consumer products, medical, scientific research and other industries, providing complete additive manufacturing solutions, from functional test prototyping, tooling fixture manufacturing to customized mass production. For further information, contact us at info@intamsys.com.
