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INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY

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DESIGN

Founder David Dicker is equal parts obsessed with detail and knowledge. If something fails to meet his standards, he just learns to do it himself. Whether it’s 3-D printing parts of his own design or building a road, David is eternally motivated to accomplish his goals.

It is the detailed, meticulous and complete process of thought that drives Rodin Cars.

Every product developed by the company is the result of methodical contemplation and a precisely considered engineering process – completed in-house at the state of the art facilities in the picturesque hinterlands of New Zealand and unmatched anywhere else in the world.

From the design and prototype phase through to manufacturing and bespoke client ownership packages, each step in the development process has been thought, re-thought and refined.

ENGINEERING

Rodin’s Engineers are focused on developing our cars to perform at the highest level possible. Using advanced manufacturing techniques, composites and specialist coatings they push the boundaries on conventional race car designs. Some of the brightest up and coming thinkers, and adept craftspeople in engineering, have been sourced to achieve this goal.

The engineering team consists of a mix of Engineers from Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics and Composite specialties, each providing crucial knowledge/skills to allow the complex projects to be achieved successfully. Conceptual thinking, problem solving, experimentation, and passion are key components of the engineering team, all combining to create truly unique vehicles.

In addition, partnering with the local University of Canterbury to support the engineering faculty is part of the Rodin Cars mission to promote and inspire the next generation of engineers.

When it comes to Rodin Cars – our engineers ensure there really is Nothing Like It.

 
 
 
 
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PRODUCTION

3D PRINTING

3D Printing plays a very important role here at Rodin Cars in the production of our high performance track cars. It allows for the construction of repeatable parts, which are highly complex in geometry and very tight intolerance. The ability to form highly durable materials into aesthetically pleasing parts makes 3D printing well suited to the production of both prototypes and end use parts.

Boasting the largest 3D printer in the southern hemisphere, the Rodin production plant houses some truly world class machinery. Mid 2021 saw the arrival of the hugely anticipated 3D systems DMP Factory 500 Metal 3D Printer. With a 500 x 500 x 500mm print volume it vastly elevated Rodins production capacity, being used primarily in the construction of our bespoke, super light titanium gearbox casings, along with a selection of our larger sized componentry for the FZERO.

PRODUCTION

MACHINING

State of the art machines have been sourced from all over the world to fit out our purpose built production facility, which features temperature controlled, and vibration isolated, flooring to ensure accuracy and repeatability.

Our machining team consists of highly skilled individuals with a collective knowledge of specialist materials and techniques. Tooling for composites, welding, precision grinding, valve seat cutting, crank and cam grinding and shaft balancing are all taken care of in-house. GD&T and premium quality is assured with the combination of our skilled staff and CMM (Co-ordinate Measurement Machine).

PRODUCTION

HEAT TREATMENTS

PVD
Physical Vapour Deposition coating, also known as thin-film coating, is a process in which a solid material is vaporized in a vacuum and deposited onto the surface of a part. These coatings are not simply metal layers though. Instead, compound materials are deposited atom by atom, forming a thin, bonded, metal or metal-ceramic surface layer that greatly improves the appearance, durability, and/or function of a part or product. The materials acquire completely new characteristics. Manufacturing products with selectively functionalised surfaces means a completely new dimension in innovation capability.

DLC
Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) coatings lower friction, offer high wear resistance, and enhance hardness.

Plasma Nitride
An efficient surface treatment utilised to harden any metal, including steel and titanium. Used for surface hardening the journals on our engine components, primarily the cranks and lobes on our camshafts. Air is evacuated from the sealed chamber, increasing to desired temperature before the introduction of gasses which infiltrate the metal surface making it harder.
Complete control over the process with our on-site machine, before grinding and super finishing. All processes which increases the durability of our engine components.

COMPOSITES

Composites, in its simplest definition, is the combination of two separate materials with distinct properties to produce a combined product with superior properties to its constituents. In the realm of motorsport and automotive, this composite material is commonly carbon fibre, which features superior strength and stiffness for its weight compared to metals. At Rodin Cars, carbon fibre is utilised in both structural and non-structural components. Composite structural components of the vehicle include the monocoque survival cell, gearbox casing, nose cone, suspension members, and wings. Non-structural components including aerodynamic bodywork, cowlings, and fenders.

Advanced composite design and manufacturing methods are employed by Rodin to produce lightweight, structurally efficient structures. Optimisation processes are used during the design phase to determine the configuration of the material in the component to meet the design requirements, this will specify a combination of different types of prepreg carbon fibre, selected to meet the stiffness, strength, and thermal requirements of the part. The material is hand-laid into mould then cooked under elevated pressure and temperature to create high quality bespoke carbon fibre components. The use of advanced core materials and 3D printed titanium inserts allows for maximum freedom to generate unique optimised components.

 
 
 
 
 
 
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SURFACE FINISHING

Our facility utilises a full downdraft spray booth, prep bay, detailing area, and the latest finishing systems to produce an array of different coatings for both aesthetic and functional purposes. Applied with weight and aerodynamic efficiency in mind, they ensure the smoothest surface possible while providing UV and corrosion protection.

High quality finishes for plug and mould surfacing , composite structural and exterior vehicle components, ferrous and non-ferrous metal pre-treatment, and heat resistant coatings are just some of the processes completed within the workshop.

Our Spies Hecker basecoat finishing system allows us to tailor finishes to the highest caliber, while ensuring we can fix and repair any and all aspects of track-driven FZEDs and FZEROs.

The detailing facility provides protective systems such as ceramic coating and paint correction for customer vehicles.

ASSEMBLY

Our experienced technicians cover a variety of tasks at Rodin Cars, including parts documentation, vehicle assembly, car preparation and on-track support.

Working to the highest of standards, our team takes great pride in the assembly and support of all models of Rodin Cars, with an eye for quality and detail second to none.

Our assembly team are here to take care of all your after sales inquiries and requirements, and will facilitate the service of your Rodin Car wherever you are in the world.

 
 
 
 
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