Scores of schoolchildren got into top gear for a 3D printed model car race in Carmarthen recently.

Won by Team Citroën, from Ysgol Llanllwni, the 10-lap Formula 3D Festival was held at Carmarthen Park’s velodrome.

All the children who took part 3D printed and assembled the model racing cars themselves.

Swansea University loaned 3D printers to each school taking part, with a number of local car dealerships featured as race event sponsors.

The University’s College of Engineering laser-cut pendants for all participating pupils. Trophies were also 3D printed for the three fastest school teams on the day.

Each model car was fitted with a timing chip to monitor performance.

Dr Dimitris Pletsas, from Swansea University’s College of Engineering, said: “The Formula 3D event was an outstanding success, reflecting the hard work of pupils and staff at eight Carmarthenshire primary schools for many months to prepare for the race.

“The event wasn’t just fun, it was also educational because its build-up introduced the children to 3D printing technology, which is among the state-of-the-art techniques revolutionising manufacturing throughout the world.

“Along with the marketing and team-working skills the pupils learned, exposure to this kind of technology at a young age will no doubt stand the children in good stead in future.

“Projects like this will help ensure our rural schools are ready to embrace the fourth industrial revolution, where traditional engineering converges with emerging digital technologies.”

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