ORIX Rentec and Persol R&D have collaborated to provide  “Wind Tunnel Test Solution Service” utilizing 3D printers.
Wind tunnel experiments are aerodynamic improvement experiments when developing vehicles such as automobiles and railways. Specifically, by measuring the air resistance of a vehicle, we can visualize how aerodynamics affects fuel consumption, the flow of air in the engine room, the flow of exhaust gas, etc.

In recent years, automobile development has focused on wind tunnel experiments.
Hideyuki Takahashi, Chief of the 3rd Design Department of Persol R&D Kanto Development Headquarters, said, “Fuel efficiency regulations are becoming stricter year by year, and it is becoming more difficult to improve fuel efficiency with just the internal combustion engine and battery. Therefore, we optimized the shape and structure of the vehicle. By doing so, we are able to improve fuel efficiency and driving performance.In order to do so, wind tunnel tests are essential to understand the various effects of airflow.”

Wind tunnel testing is necessary in automobile manufacturing from the early stages of development to the final stage.

Once the design concept is decided, a wind tunnel test is conducted to determine the specific shape. Once the shape is determined, data is collected through digital simulation, and finally a scale model or equivalent to the actual size is created, and the data from the digital simulation and the actual machine are compared and verified.
　　
Atsushi Takada, Project Manager, Business Development Department, Business Strategy Headquarters, ORIX Rentec, commented on how the service was developed, saying, “As part of our 3D printer business, we provide services that utilize large industrial printers. Manufacturers have requested wind tunnel experiments.Our company specializes in modeling and assembly, and Persol R&D specializes in design, testing, and verification.By collaborating, the two companies will be able to complete everything from the entrance to the exit of wind tunnel experiments. We can provide end-to-end support.In fact, when we provided the service to an automobile manufacturer, it was very well received, so we decided to commercialize it.”

“Automakers are currently developing about 30 new models a year, and there is a limit to conducting wind tunnel tests with only in-house personnel. Using our service will reduce the load. There is a great need.” Mr. Takahashi).
　　
Wind tunnel tests are required in various fields, including automobiles. Examples include drones, bicycles, buildings, bridges, transmission towers, and wind turbines.
Interestingly, by using the service’s fluid analysis simulation, it is possible to understand how heat flows inside a computer, such as a personal computer, and how it is cooled.