Partnership with the Niederrhein college of applied sciences

In cooperation with the Niederrhein College of Applied Sciences, Arden is developing the aerodynamic package for the Jaguar F-Pace based on the state-of-the-art 3D scanning. After the final model construction of the front apron, Prof. Dr.-Ing. Norman Lupa, Department of Mechanical Engineering and Process Engineering at the Niederrhein College of Applied Sciences has used a 3D scanner to map the front apron of the vehicle as a three-dimensional CAD model in order to deliver a technically and optically perfect result. The challenge initially existed in the digitizing of the modelled apron. This was a premiere for the university because a part of this size and quality has not yet been scanned or printed at the Krefeld location. In a next step, the scanned form is optimized by means of CAD and the negative form of the apron is printed and assembled in several parts. The aim is to use the model as a form and to make the aerodynamic parts directly from it.

Progress in the practice of automotive engineering
The importance of 3D printing in the automotive sector is gaining in popularity. It is not only in the limits of prototype development that automotive manufacturers can benefit from 3D printing. The processing of the scanned files using CAD technology allows optimal, aerodynamic adaptation as well as fine adjustment of the design components. As a result of the further development of the process technology, small batch producers can now profit from the advantages of 3D printing in the development and production.

Progress in 3D research
“Practical relevance is our trump” – so the Niederrhein College of Applied Sciences is advertising on its website. Therefore the cooperation in the area of 3D printing is also an exciting challenge from a research point of view. Prof. Dr.-Ing. Norman Lupa not only focuses on the topic of 3D printing during his lectures at the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Process Engineering, but also supports the annual international design contest “Formula Student”. 3D printing has already been used in the construction of a racing car. For Arden, this is another exciting research project after the cooperation with the Aachen University of Applied Sciences.