Porsche cup scrutineer uses rapid CNC-machining service Firstcut®, from Proto Labs®
Based in Germany, Robert Magin is a full-time, professional, motor racing scrutineer. Mr. Magin has developed a unique range of test equipment and devices that fit into a travel case and can be easily transported to races. All his test products were produced using parts made by the rapid CNC-machining service Firstcut®, from Proto Labs.
Porsche is known for its strict controls for those competing in the Porsche Cup series, and Robert Magin's company, Romtec GmbH, in Walldorf, near Frankfurt, ensures the rules and regulations for racing cars are adhered to. Immediately after each race, all parameters are checked. "
Mr. Magin has noticed over the past decade or so how thorough testing is increasingly demanded in all levels of motorsport. "Over time we have developed better and better testing methods and set many, new standards," he says.
"The manager of the various Porsche Cups came to me with the desire to pack all testing devices in a portable box, so that everything could be transported safely to the many venues during the international racing season. They asked me to design the equipment and specify a date when the box and its contents would be ready."
To begin with, Mr. Magin produced prototypes using a 3D printer. "The parts were almost always useless because they were not regular in shape and sometimes I found - after as much as five hours of printing time, that the heat plate was slipping, for example." Frustrated by the waste of time, Mr. Magin began looking on the Internet for alternatives, which is where he first discovered the rapid CNC machining service Firstcut, from Proto Labs.
"You cannot imagine how excited I was! One Thursday, I uploaded the 3D model and the following Monday, my finished parts, made using the production-intent material, arrived on the doorstep! The Proto Labs production facility is in England, which makes such a quick delivery time even more remarkable. But, what I really think is sensational, is the online quotation tool, FirstQuote®. It lets me upload my 3D CAD model then, in just a matter of hours, I receive the quote including free design tips and suggestions directly related to my parts. If I change the quantity or the material of the parts, the new price will be displayed immediately - a truly unique service!"
I now produce all the parts with the Firstcut service from Proto Labs, because the quality is always 100% and the service provides a huge amount of flexibility. The first box is now on its way to Australia, in time for the start of another, very exciting season."
