Pupils gear up for remote control race
SCHOOL children are gearing up to make their own remote control cars ahead of a race to be held at Carmarthen’s velodrome this summer.
Teams of children from eight primary schools will take part in the 3D printed remote control car race.
Dubbed Formula 3D, it will see the pupils having their race cars come to life by using 3D printing technology.
This builds a threedimensional object from a computer designed model.
At a launch event in Canolfan S4C Yr Egin in Carmarthen, Swansea University donated 3D printers to each school.
The pupils have already secured sponsorship from regional car dealerships and each school will be classed as a team.
Team Mazda will be represented by Ysgol Gynradd Nantgaredig; Team Kia by Ysgol y Dderwen, Team Ford by Ysgol Teilo Sant; Team MG by Ysgol Llanybydder; Team Citroen by Ysgol Llanllwni; Team Volvo by Ysgol Carreg Hirfaen; Team Hyundai by Ysgol y Bedol and Team Subaru by Ysgol Peniel.
Sponsoring car deal- erships include HG Bryer of Dryslwyn, Gravells of Kidwelly, J & J Motors of Cross Hands, OC Davies of Carmarthen, Bassetts of Carmarthen, Lloyd Motors of Aberaeron, John F Hutchings Ltd and Howards of Carmarthen.
Each 3D printed car is based on a design by Swedish designer Daniel Norée, who has pushed the boundaries of 3D printing.
Carmarthen Town Council is confirmed as an event sponsor for the event which will see a dedicated Formula 3D circuit at the velodrome.
The project, led by Swansea University’s college of engineering in partnership with Carmarthenshire Council, was initiated at Ysgol Gynradd Nantgaredig, where children are being introduced to digital technologies like 3D printing from a young age.
Dr Dimitris Pletsas, of Swansea University, talked hundreds of children through the use of 3D printers and other ‘smart manufacturing’ technology at the launch event.
He said: “We hope the event will be a catalyst for the accelerated adoption of 3D printing technology at other schools across Carmarthenshire and beyond.
“Technical support groups for all participating schools will be established as part of a continuing drive to promote science and innovation in schools across West Wales.”
As well as 3D printing, assembling, painting and testing their cars, school children will also be tasked with picking team colours and negotiating advertising deals for the race event.
Tiny cameras will be mounted on each team car for replay and viewing, with drone photography also being provided on the day of the race.
Each school taking part will have a pit area at the velodrome, where sponsoring car dealerships will display their latest models.