Accelerating Innovation on the Track: How Oxford University Racing Used the Centauri Carbon to Power Their Breakthrough Season

From the high-octane roar of Silverstone to the quiet hum of a 3D printer, engineering innovation can take many forms. For Oxford University Racing (OUR), one of the most exciting moments of their 2025 Formula Student season didn’t just happen on the racetrack— it started in the workshop, where the soft hum of their Centauri Carbon 3D printer sparked a wave of innovation.

A Season of Firsts—and of Speed

OUR embarked on their fourth race car build with a clear mission: get to pre-season testing for the first time and compete successfully at Formula Student UK. The stakes were high, and time was short. To meet the demands of iterative prototyping and on-the-fly problem-solving, the team turned to ELEGOO’s Centauri Carbon for both prototyping and functional parts. From dashboard enclosures and status light housings to switch mounts and wheel assembly prototypes, the printer was used across critical systems.

“The Centauri Carbon quickly became one of the most valuable tools in our workshop,” said the Oxford University Racing team. “It gave us the freedom to prototype, validate, and manufacture with speed and confidence—directly contributing to our most successful season yet.”

Why the Centauri Carbon Made a Difference

Before introducing the Centauri Carbon, OUR relied on older, lower-performance printers and occasional help from university labs. But with a powerful machine in-house, the team gained true autonomy. With features like rapid print speeds, auto-leveling, and an onboard camera, the Centauri Carbon shaved days off the manufacturing cycle, enabling the team to iterate fast and frequently.

This freedom to create translated into real track-time: for the first time in the team’s history, they completed their car ahead of schedule and passed scrutineering at Formula Student UK. Among 32 electric vehicle (EV) teams, OUR was one of just 13 to make it through scrutineering and one of only 6 UK EVs to enter the Endurance event.

Real-Time Problem Solving

“During scrutineering, we discovered that one of our pedal box components did not meet competition regulations—a setback that nearly prevented the team from participating. In just a few hours, OUR engineers redesigned and reprinted a new adapter using the Centauri Carbon. ” The replacement fit perfectly, allowing the team to pass technical inspection just in time and compete in the dynamic events.

A Culture of Making

Beyond practical performance, the printer played a cultural role in the team’s development. It empowered both experienced and new members to become hands-on makers, encouraging experimentation and innovation. The team tested a variety of materials, including PLA, PETG, PC, ASA, and TPU, choosing based on the application’s demand for heat, UV, or water resistance. The Centauri Carbon handled them all.

“Ultimately, the CC helped to cultivate a strong maker culture among our engineers,” the team shared, “one that encourages us to continually prototype and innovate.”

Looking Ahead

With the 2025 season wrapped and a new powertrain on the drawing board, OUR is already planning a lighter, more powerful car for next year—backed once again by a strong foundation of in-house prototyping and additive manufacturing.

“We’re incredibly grateful to ELEGOO for supporting us with the Centauri Carbon printer. Their contribution directly empowered our team to accelerate design iterations, manufacture complex geometries, and take full ownership of critical parts of the car.”

From rapid design iterations to last-minute race-saving solutions, the Centauri Carbon proved to be more than just a printer—it was a teammate throughout the season. One that helped OUR cross milestones, break records, and chase new goals on the road ahead.