Researchers at the University of Wollongong are using 3D printing to create custom-designed surfboard fins that allow surfers to improve their performance in the water.
“We want to come up with new, more efficient fins that can be bespokely designed for a particular surfer and a particular wave,” said project leader Professor Marc in het Panhuis.
“Most current techniques involve moulds that are expensive to make and hence, are harder to customise based on individual surfer’s needs. In contrast, 3D printing is a process that allows for rapid prototyping and rapid optimisation of designs for individual surfers.”
A multi-disciplinary team of students and academics working on this project includes, computational fluid dynamics experts, who will optimise the flow of the water around the fin, biomechanics specialists, who will study the effect of translational forces from the surfer and waves, human geographers, who will look at surfers’ perception of their performance, 3D printing experts from the Australian National Fabrication Facility as well as volunteer surfers from the Wollongong region.
In order to compile data on fin and surfing performance, they are using a small GPS tracking device fitted to the nose of the boards of an intermediate surfer and a talented club rider. The data is compared to that of a pro rider on the world tour circuit who has been surfing with a similar tracking device.
The device tracks everything from wave count and top speed to the biggest turn and highest air and will be an important tool in evaluating the performance of the new designs.
The team has already tracked more than 1,400 waves and 1,100 turns and have produced several fins using the 3D printing equipment at the Australian National Fabrication Facility.
Once the designs have been finalised, in het Panhuis hopes to bring the new technique to market.
“We’re already talking to a number of local surfboard manufacturers who are interested. We hope to offer the customised service in Wollongong first and then eventually expand it,” he said.
[Professor Marc in het Panhuis and his 3D printed fins. Photo: UOW]
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