3D scanning for aerodynamic research

Briefly: 3DiTALY, Thor3D's partner in Italy, scanned the athletes of the Italian national cycling team for aerodynamic research by Pinarello engineers (a bicycle manufacturer).
The task: To digitize athletes in full gear in the most aerodynamic position. Based on the measurements and calculations obtained, handlebars will be made in a single copy for each athlete.
Tools: Calibry 3D Scanner, Calibry Nest software
The result: In 2 minutes, 3DiTALY made a series of high-resolution 3D models, which will be studied by engineers.

A bicycle resembles an airplane more than any other invention:

it minimizes contact with the ground, and only its modesty prevents it from flying.

— Mauro Parrini, the philosopher

It is difficult to underestimate the importance of aerodynamics and the impact it has on a rider's athletic performance. In the world of cycling, speed is everything (more details).

This project happened thanks to two of the most famous brands in the cycling world — Pinarello and Hardskin. These companies supply the Italian national team with all the necessary equipment. Pinarello is the official supplier of bicycles, while Hardskin produces sportswear. In light of the upcoming Olympic Games in Tokyo, Pinarello and Hardskin decided to join forces to find a way to improve the aerodynamics of cyclists.

Hardskin asked 3DiTALY to digitize athletes and Pinarello bikes. The project was implemented in February 2021 at the Montichiari velodrome in the province of Brescia. Funded by the Municipality of Montichiari, this velodrome is the first and only indoor facility in Italy designed for track cycling.

The 3D scanning of the athlete was the first step in a long technological chain necessary to study aerodynamics. High accuracy and reliability of the device were required, so the Calibry 3D scanner was chosen. The body scan included the following steps:

1. Athlete’s warm-up and preparation of a mechanical stand.
2. Simulation of a race in order to find the most aerodynamic position.
3. Fixing the selected position. The athlete was wearing a bodysuit and helmet to fully simulate the race conditions.

Thanks to Calibry’s high performance, the scan was completed within two minutes. The data was processed at Calibry Nest and transferred to Pinarello engineers for subsequent aerodynamic studies.

3D scanning is a fast and convenient way to collect data, as the 3D model file contains all the necessary information for analyzing aerodynamics and designing a custom steering wheel. After analyzing the data array, Pinarello will create an individual bicycle handlebar in a single copy to maximize the rider’s symbiosis with his bike.