Cupra engineers use 3D printing to manufacture parts for racing car

Cupra, the performance brand of Seat, is using 3D printing to manufacture car parts. For its new Leon Competición racing car, engineers at Cupra have 3D printed the model’s door mirrors, air intakes and cooling intakes.

The technique enables the manufacturer to reduce the vehicle’s fuel consumption while also increasing stability, speed and safety – vital in both motorsport and road car applications.

When taken to this controlled environment, the printed parts are fitted to the car and face winds of more than 180mph while sensors study the impact on individual surfaces. The car’s resistance data is displayed on screen where engineers and designers compare the results for the different printed parts.

As the smallest margins can make the difference in motorsport, it is crucial the 3D printed parts play their part in reducing fuel consumption while also increasing stability, speed and safety.

Seat is the only company that designs, develops, manufactures and markets cars in Spain. A member of the Volkswagen Group, the multinational has its headquarters in Martorell (Barcelona), exports 81% of its vehicles, and is present in more than 75 countries. In 2019, Seat sold 574.100 cars, the highest figure in its 70-year history, posted a profit after tax of 346 million euros and a record turnover of more than 11 billion euros.