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Picchio uses 'RenPaste' for Daytona Prototype

Brand-name racecar manufacturer Picchio, based in Ancarano in central Italy, has saved both time and money by using 'RenPaste' epoxy modelling paste, a product of UK specialist RenShape Solutions in Duxford, to produce the carbonfibre moulds for its new Daytona Prototype. An undersized polystyrene model was covered in a layer of seamless 'RenPaste SV/HV 4503' which was then machined make a precise model of the car's bodywork, comprising 10 separate components

"After intensive research into the range of materials available for this type of rapid prototyping application, we chose 'RenPaste' because it provided the right balance between cost, time and quality," explained Picchio production engineer Guido Pandoli. "Also polystyrene is a low-cost material compared with wood or other materials, and using 'RenPaste' enabled us to minimise waste. For example, if we had used a wooden model, we would have had to throw away the core of the model, as we only needed the outer contour. Paste models also exhibit an excellent surface finish."

Using CAD data, Picchio's engineers first built a slightly undersized polystyrene model of the car body. This was covered in a 40mm thick layer of 'RenPaste' which was dispensed through a meter/mix machine. Once cured, the 'RenPaste' model was machined to the exact required dimensions for the bodywork. This was then used to build the moulds in which about 20 carbonfibre prototypes were vacuum-bagged.

Picchio was able to deliver the new racecar to its customer just seven months after it had left the drawing board.

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