TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Europe (TGR-E) and 3D Systems have completed a project to produce protective equipment to support local health and wellbeing initiatives.
3D Systems, a pioneer in the 3D printing industry and a technical partner since 2019, and their material supplier Evonik donated the raw material for 1000 face shields, 500 kgs of Duraform PA. This was used by TGR-E’s staff and the 3D Systems SPro60 additive manufacturing machine to produce face mask brackets. But before going into print, TGR-E optimised the design to ensure perfect results for SLS-printing, adding the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing logo in the process.
For the clear part of the face masks, TGR-E made of use of its cutting machines normally used to cut the carbon fibre sheets used in production of its race cars. With the help of this machinery, the technicians were able to cut 15 face shields, each of them being 0.5 mm thick, out of a single sheet of polycarbonate foil.
Once assembled, the face shields have been distributed via other members of the Toyota family in Europe.
3D Systems and TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Europe teamed up in 2019 to benefit from each other’s cutting-edge technology. 3D Systems pioneered the 3D printing industry and is renowned for its unparalleled additive manufacturing solutions designed to accelerate manufacturers’ production workflows. Through this partnership, the companies intend to develop first-to-market manufacturing solutions - including 3D printers, materials and software – to change automotive design and production.