A motorsport team uses 3D scanning to ensure a race car was properly rebuilt after a crash.
Motorsport team Black Falcon used a 3D scanner from SHINING 3D to verify that a race car had been correctly rebuilt after a crash during the Nürburgring 24 Hours. The team used the FreeScan Trak Nova, a portable optical measurement system, to inspect the repaired areas before returning the car to competition. The verification was part of a broader technical partnership with SHINING 3D, which includes the team’s new Porsche 911 GT3 Cup. The crash required a full rebuild, and the team needed a reliable way to confirm the repair’s integrity before returning the car to the demanding Nordschleife circuit. The scanner provided precise geometric data, allowing engineers to assess the structure directly and add an extra verification step before the car returned to racing.
Black Falcon has a long history at the Nürburgring, with multiple class victories and two outright wins in the 24 Hours. The team’s partnership with SHINING 3D includes chassis and crash-structure analysis, as well as routine surface documentation. The FreeScan Trak Nova also supports aerodynamic development by capturing geometry for computational fluid dynamics simulations. The system’s accuracy, wireless operation, and portability make it ideal for motorsport applications, where speed and precision are critical.
The FreeScan Trak Nova features a handheld scanner paired with a tracking unit, offering real-time data processing and swappable batteries. It has a 0.02 mm accuracy and is certified to industrial metrology standards. The system’s video photogrammetry eliminates the need for coded markers, allowing accurate scans of large objects without additional setup. The lightweight design and portability make it suitable for use in both workshops and on the track during race weekends.
Black Falcon’s use of 3D scanning for race car verification highlights the growing integration of digital tools in motorsport. High-accuracy scanning enables precise engineering decisions, reducing reliance on physical prototypes and improving efficiency. This trend aligns with broader additive manufacturing goals, where digital verification and real-time data support faster, safer, and more cost-effective development processes.
Edited by the news editor with AI from the original report — please refer to the original source.