Roland DG Rapid Prototyping Speeds Up Performance for Erebus Motorsport

Erebus adopted the Roland DG rapid prototyping technology to improve efficiency and productivity in the engineering workshop. Used for the production of car component samples and moulds, the Roland DG 3D printing and 3D milling machines have helped Erebus engineers speed up the development process.

Mitch Timms, Design Engineer at Erebus, explains that in using equipment such as the easy to use ARM-10 Desktop 3D Printer, the team can develop prototypes any number of times, check designs, and get approvals before proceeding to manufacture. The benefits of this are clear, as Mitch explains: “…it was a costly, drawn out production process, having to produce it [components for cars] on larger machines, through our machinist in our machine shop before we’re even able to test.” Now, with Roland DG products, the whole process is much easier, quicker and cheaper. Mitch continues, “…this ultimately improves performance of the race cars as well.”

“The synergies between Roland DG’s development of rapid prototyping equipment... and our development work for our race cars, really provides a big advantage for us out on circuit and what we are able to produce.”

Along with the ARM-10, the team at Erebus has been operating the SRM-20 Compact Milling Machine. Designed to create a wide range of components from small items to body work moulds, its engraving capabilities also allow for the addition of identification part numbers onto components. With the larger Modela MDX-540 Milling Machine, Erebus can produce functional prototypes, parts and moulds such as bucks for brake ducts and modifications to body work panels.

Mitch agrees that use of Roland DG equipment gives Erebus a big advantage against the competition: “The synergies between Roland DG’s development of rapid prototyping equipment such as [the MDX-540] and our development work for our race cars, really provides a big advantage for us out on circuit and what we are able to produce.”