European Hyperloop Week, Innovative 3D Prototypes for the Transport of the Future
Have you heard of the Hyperloop project? The construction of this mode of transport consists of large tubes close to the vacuum through which capsules move. The initiative proposed by Tesla and SpaceX aims to transport people or goods at speeds of up to 1,200 km / h . The potential of the project is such that many people are already calling it the fifth mode of transport, and many initiatives have emerged to help in its development in the most efficient way and in the shortest possible time. To this end, the European Hyperloop Week (EHW) has been held. This is an academic competition in which universities and research teams will measure the effectiveness of their prototypes for the Hyperloop project. These innovative proposals integrate techniques typical of the aerospace, railroad and, of course, additive manufacturing sectors.
The event will take place in person between July 19 and 25 in Valencia, and aims to highlight the need to create a sustainable mode of transport, as well as the collaboration of institutions for its technological development. There, the element of student competitions will be combined with the professional conference setting, where the most recent advances and the most innovative proposals can be shared among industry experts. Among the 27 projects selected to compete in this year’s European Hyperloop Week are some of the world’s most prestigious universities, such as MIT, the University of Edinburgh, and ETH Zurich. One of these projects arises from the agreement between Sicnova and the Asociación Colegio de Orfanos de Ferroviarios (CHF).
The so-called fifth mode of transport has great potential on a global scale.
3D printing at the European Hyperloop Week
The signing of the collaboration has been carried out for the transfer of hardware and 3D printing material that allow to support the development of a new capsule concept for the hyperloop. The agreement will award the Epsilon W50 3D printer , from the manufacturer BCN3D Technologies. This solution is based on molten material deposition technology and features professional IDEX dual extrusion technology, capable of working with industrial grade technical materials. At the same time, it includes a supply of plastic filaments to carry out conceptual tests and models that allow the CHF association to make its project a reality, always having the support of Sicnova as a technical and training service, certified by BCN3D.
The CHF Association concept, led by technical mentor Mario Rocíes, consists of a capsule structure designed and manufactured by them in bidirectional carbon fiber. The prototype weighs 165 kg and has been designed to achieve a speed of 500 km / h and the ability to brake in 17 seconds. In this way, the EHW carries out its goal of testing research teams around the world to develop their own concepts and ideas to drive hyperloop technological innovation. Once the prototypes are presented, prizes will be awarded to the best projects, taking into account some key factors such as scalability, impact on society, innovation and efficiency. You can find more information about the EHW here .
Credits: Sicnova
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* Cover photo credits: European Commission
