You know you can 3d print your own turbofan? Remember the days when turbofan wheels were the epitome of high-performance style for race cars in the 1970s and 1980s? Well, those iconic wheels have transcended the racetrack to become a statement piece for street style. But here’s the kicker: buying a set of these beauties can be quite a hefty investment. So, why not roll up your sleeves and make your own? Enter the crafty crew at Vonka Racing, a drift team with a passion for performance and a knack for innovation. Their latest endeavour 3D prints their very own turbofan wheel covers.
DIY 3d print Turbofans
Introducing the DIY Turbofan Revolution! Have you ever wondered what turbofans are? Well, Vonka Racing, a drift team known for their innovative spirit, has taken the concept to the next level by 3D printing their own turbofan wheel covers. Gone are the days when these stylish and high-performance wheels were limited to race cars in the 70s and 80s. Now, you have the opportunity to create your own unique set of turbofans without breaking the bank. Get ready to dive into the world of DIY 3D printed turbofans and revolutionize your street style.
Their Instagram shows that they have a 3D printer boasting an impressive build space, capable of creating full-sized turbofan covers in a single piece. With such equipment at their disposal, it’s no wonder they couldn’t resist the temptation to craft their high-speed accessories. This exciting project is still in its infancy, having taken off just a week ago. While the Vonka Racing team hasn’t hit the track with their DIY turbofans yet, they’ve already achieved visually impressive results.
They’ve been busy experimenting with various materials and designs to fine-tune their creations. These turbofan covers are ingeniously attached to the hub using 3D-printed mounts that securely clamp on either side of the wheel, with the outer turbofan cover secured by a sizable reverse-threaded nut. However, it hasn’t been all smooth sailing. The team encountered issues with excessive flex and a lack of rigidity in their initial prototypes. Properly balancing these components will be essential to prevent annoying vibrations.
The Performance Question
There are also valid concerns about how these fans will hold up at high speeds and in wet conditions, especially when splashing through standing water. Nevertheless, if designed correctly, there’s no reason why 3D-printed plastic turbofans couldn’t match the performance of traditional aluminium designs, and they might even be lighter.
One key function of turbofans is to direct cooling air over scorching hot brakes. This could require the use of high-temperature plastics if the turbofans are meant for genuine high-performance track use. But for those aiming for a purely cosmetic upgrade, most 3D-printable plastics should do the trick. It’s important to acknowledge that turbofan covers do add to the unsprung weight of a vehicle. Often, their primary purpose is to look cool rather than offer a substantial performance advantage – and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that! For a drift team like Vonka Racing, which leaves clouds of tire smoke in their wake, a set of turbofans can be a visually captivating addition. Of course, Vonka Racing isn’t the only player in the turbofan game today.
Belgian custom shop D-Ing Designs has garnered attention in recent years for accepting custom commissions from eager customers. And who could forget Ken Block, who famously sported a set of Fifteen52 turbofan wheels on his Ford Fiesta ST, creating quite the stir in 2013?
Conclusion
The future of DIY turbofan wheels looks promising, with Vonka Racing leading the way in 3D printing innovation. While the project is still in its early stages, it has already yielded some impressive results. As the team continues to fine-tune their designs and overcome initial challenges, we can’t help but wonder about the potential of 3D-printed turbofans becoming the hottest automotive accessory of the year. Whether for performance or style, this experiment could revolutionize the world of custom wheels. Stay tuned for more updates as this exciting project unfolds.
Source: The drive
