Enthusiastic Youth, Dream of Mech Combat! The Story of eSUN and RMUL Young Engineers
The RoboMaster 2024 Robotic Master University League (RMUL) officially started in March. This season includes a total of 9 competition sites, both domestically and internationally, featuring 3V3 combat matches and infantry combat matches.
Infusing youth with glory, empowering thought with strength. RMUL integrates various disciplines of robotics-related technologies such as machine vision, embedded system design, mechanical control, inertial navigation, and human-machine interaction. Since 2015, this competition has attracted young students from over 400 universities worldwide.
Participation in RMUL events helps cultivate outstanding young engineers, igniting the interest and passion for technological innovation among students and driving the development of the robotics industry.
3D printing technology, as a “new productive force,” can be utilized to manufacture various components of robots. By employing highly customizable and flexible production techniques, complex-shaped parts can be rapidly manufactured, making parts more precise and lightweight while reducing production time and costs.
eSUN, as an internationally renowned brand of 3D printing materials, offers a rich variety of 3D printing filaments and resins. In this competition, eSUN sponsored teams from three schools: Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics Jincheng College, Shenyang Aerospace University, and China University of Petroleum (Beijing), providing diversified 3D printing material support for the creative endeavors of young engineers and assisting them in aiming for the championship.
*The following teams are listed in alphabetical order:
1.Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics Jincheng College BOF Robot Team
The BOF Robot Team from Jincheng College of Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics achieved breakthroughs in the RoboMaster 2024 University League (Shanghai Station), winning the runner-up and third place in the 3V3 team combat and 1V1 infantry combat matches, achieving the best record since the team participated in the university league.
2. Shenyang Aerospace University TUP Team
The TUP Team from Shenyang Aerospace University performed excellently in RMUL 2024 (Liaoning Station), advancing to the top 16 in the 3V3 combat and achieving outstanding results by reaching the top 8 in the infantry combat, winning two first prizes.
3. China University of Petroleum (Beijing) SPR Robot Team
The SPR Robot Team from China University of Petroleum (Beijing) won the championship in the 3V3 combat at RMUL 2024 (Shanxi Station)!
In the design and production process of the robots from the teams above, 3D printing technology provided many conveniences.
Taking the design of the hero robot’s flicking disc from Jincheng College of Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics as an example, this component underwent dozens of tests and modifications to ensure the stability of the mechanism. If traditional machining were employed, the cost would be high, and the production cycle would be long. However, using 3D printing technology enables rapid adjustments and iterations within days. This hero flicking disc component is primarily manufactured using 3D printing technology, with the upper shell protecting the motor and connecting to the flicking disc, while the lower part is designed as a hexagonal flicking disc, facilitating stable and smooth flicking on the field. A small bearing is added to the end of the flicking disc to reduce friction during the projectile delivery process, achieving stable and smooth output on the battlefield.
Additionally, the design and production of components such as the direct ejection disc, hero flicking disc coupler, and dart launcher by the SPR Robot Team from China University of Petroleum (Beijing) also utilized 3D printing technology.
Among them, the direct ejection disc is composed of three printed parts, including the upper and lower disc walls and the printed part of the middle fork. The printed part of the fork is made using eSUN’s eABS-GF material to increase structural strength and prevent disc fracture during the flicking process.
In the material sponsorship project of this competition, eSUN provided participating teams with a variety of popular materials such as ePA-CF, PLA+, ABS+, TPU, PETG, ePLA-LW, and ePLA-CF, in addition to eABS-GF. The diversity of 3D printing materials provides more possibilities and excellent creative space for robot design and production. Flame-retardant materials can improve insulation performance, lightweight materials can help achieve lightweight requirements, and flexible materials play an important role in protecting PCB boards and important components.
Congratulations once again to the above three teams for their outstanding performance in the RMUL 2024 competition! I believe that through each “real battle exercise,” young engineers are continuously growing and improving. I also wish everyone the best in the upcoming super combat!
In the future, eSUN will continue to devote itself to the research and application exploration of 3D printing materials, actively supporting the project creation of young students and related teams. We look forward to diverse and diversified 3D printing materials providing more inspiration and possibilities for everyone’s practical creation. If you have any suggestions for the research and development of 3D printing materials, please feel free to contact us!