Overview
The 3D printer at the Whittle Lab allows us to produce highly complex parts for testing in one of our wind-tunnels in hours.
Additive layer manufacturing allows parts to be made an order of magnitude quicker than other methods. Moreover, 3D printing give us the ability to make highly complex parts which would not be possible/ practicable with other methods (e.g. machining).
We used our 3D printer produce a wide range of parts from experimental equipment to actual parts for testing in our wind-tunnels and compressor/ turbine rigs.
The Whittle Lab 3D printer is available for use by other Cambridge Departments or external organisations. More information and contact details can be found on the Cambridge University Equipment Sharing website.
Key Facts & Applications
Key Facts
- Stratasys Connex2 350
- Max build size 340mm x 340mm x 200mm
- X-Y resolution = 0.04mm
- Z resolution = 0.03mm
- Materials available:
- Digital ABS (ivory); best for stiffness and temperature tolerance.
- VeroWhite: cost effective option where ultimate stiffness and temperature tolerance are not required.
- Several other material options are available by special arrangement
Applications
- Manufacture of aerodynamic parts for wind tunnel testing.
- Experimental eu
- Prototyping
Research Topics
Boundary Layer Ingestion