A key part of a car's front axle is the steering knuckle - a stub axle that connects the tie rod, suspension, brake and wheel. It transmits all the forces from the wheel to the vehicle chassis, so has to be strong. In the case of a race car, it also needs to be light. This is true of all race car components, but for the knuckle it is especially important, as it forms part of the unsprung mass of the vehicle. Less weight below the suspension improves shock absorption, enhancing handling and bringing down lap times. Designers are therefore faced with the tricky task of finding the optimal balance between rigidity and weight. Moreover, this and other parts often need to be produced quickly. The young constructors of Rennteam Uni Stuttgart found a solution, growing the knuckle layer by layer using additive manufacturing, or 3D printing. The team is an independent club which takes part in the Formula Student racing series across Europe and also participates in other international competitions.
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机译：汽车前轴的关键部分是转向节，即连接横拉杆，悬架，制动器和车轮的短轴。它将所有力从车轮传递到车辆底盘，因此必须坚固。就赛车而言，它也必须轻巧。所有赛车部件都是如此，但是对于转向节而言，这一点尤为重要，因为它构成了车辆未悬挂弹簧的一部分。悬架下方的重量更轻，可改善减震效果，增强操控性并缩短圈速。因此，设计师面临艰巨的任务，即在刚性和重量之间找到最佳平衡。此外，经常需要快速生产此零件和其他零件。 Rennteam Uni Stuttgart的年轻建筑商找到了解决方案，使用增材制造或3D打印逐层生长指关节。车队是一个独立的俱乐部，参加了整个欧洲的Formula Student赛车系列赛，还参加了其他国际比赛。
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