3D printed model car race in Carmarthen

Top gear for pupils at 3D printed car race

SCORES of schoolchildren got into top gear for a 3D printed model car race in Carmarthen.

Won by Team Citroen from Ysgol Llanllwni, the 10-lap Formula 3D Festival was held at Carmarthen Park’s velodrome on Saturday June 22.

All the children who took part 3D printed and assembled the model racing cars themselves.

Team Ford from Ysgol Teilo Sant finished in second place, with Team Mazda from Ysgol Gynradd Nantgaredig coming third.

Swansea University loaned 3D printers to each school taking part, with a number of local car dealerships having featured as race event sponsors.

The University’s College of Engineering laser-cut pendants for all participating pupils. Trophies were also 3D printed for the three fastest school teams on the day.

Each model car was fitted with a timing chip to monitor performance.

Dr Dimitris Pletsas, from Swansea University’s College of Engineering, said: “The Formula 3D event was an outstanding success, reflecting the hard work of pupils and staff at eight Carmarthenshire primary schools for many months to prepare for the race.

“The event wasn’t just fun. It was also educational because its build-up introduced the children to 3D printing technology, which is among the state-of-the-art techniques revolutionising manufacturing throughout the world.

“Along with the marketing and team-working skills the pupils learned, exposure to this kind of technology at a young age will no doubt stand the children in good stead in future, with schemes like the £1.3 billion Swansea Bay City Deal due to create thousands of jobs for local people here in South West Wales.

“The introduction of 3D printing projects such as the Formula 3D Festival in Carmarthenshire primary schools was a successful pilot that we’d like to see replicated regionally, nationally and internationally. This will inspire other schools across Europe to come together with the shared goal of engaging pupils in engineering from an early age.

“Projects like this will help ensure our rural schools are ready to embrace the fourth industrial revolution, where traditional engineering converges with emerging digital technologies.”

Other event participants included Team Kia from Ysgol y Dderwen, Team MG from Ysgol Llanybydder, Team Volvo from Ysgol Carreg Hirfaen, Team Hyundai from Ysgol y Bedol, and Team Subaru from Ysgol Peniel.

Carmarthen Town Council sponsored the event, with local businesses having provided snacks and refreshments on the day. Banners were produced for each school taking part, along with event programmes.

Sponsoring car dealerships included HG Bryer of Dryslwyn, Gravells of Kidwelly, J & J Motors of Cross Hands, OC Davies of Carmarthen, Bassetts of Carmarthen, Lloyd Motors of Aberaeron, John F Hutchings Ltd, and Howards of Carmarthen.

Each model car was based on a design first developed by Daniel Norée, an award-winning Swedish 3D designer.