🏎💨Don’t forget, you can use “BBI50” to get $50 OFF your 3D Modelling & CAD for Motorsport Course: hpcdmy.co/CADb 0:00 Dimitri Orlov - CAD for motorsport specialist 4:06 How did you become passionate about the automotive industry? 8:15 How did you learn your skillset? 9:57 Does having shop floor experience make you a better designer? 11:42 Are there any drawbacks to not having an engineering degree? 15:51 When did you start diving into 3D modelling and CAD? 20:32 What are the steps from CAD model to actually machining a physical part? 23:10 What did you do before working for BBI and what is BBI? 32:28 Design process. 43:06 Choosing the right manufacturing process for the part. 51:07 Designing a manifold not just for 1000hp, but to fit and work on a factory vehicle. 58:05 How has 3D scanning changed things for BBI? 1:06:40 Are there affordable scanners that are worth buying? 1:12:10 What CAD software do you use and why? 1:20:46 Do you use FEA? 1:27:18 What is the Hoonipigisus? 1:31:15 Engine and gearbox configuration. 1:34:28 Biggest challenge? 1:38:49 Challenge of running a drive shaft from a rear trans to front differential? 1:41:30 How much of a disadvantage would it have been to leave the car rear wheel drive? 1:48:50 Are there any key aspects you’d do differently? 1:55:08 Final three questions.
Great interview as always, been following BBi’s projects for a while and can’t wait to see what the team do next. Really valued Dimitri’s advice of always having Humility and Curiosity - as a professional trained in an area far removed from Automotive Engineering, but self taught in all of my motoring passion interests, it really resonated with me keeping an open mind, problem solving and the journey of gaining skills and knowledge.
I think many normal drivers who are not car enthusiasts in any way, have not been happy with the wave of electronic driving assists. I hear every week from people who said the same exact thing Andre did, that they are unpredictable, did not inspire confidence, and did not feel safe. They are great ideas but their current implementation is hardly acceptable, much like “self driving.”
Usually the faster I want a job done the more expensive it gets but when I plan a build then wait for deals on all the parts then build I get pretty good results for a reasonable penny.
My parents still talk about how my dad was packing the Winnebago for deer hunting in November(in Minnesota). He had the sudden realization that I(~2 at the time) was very quiet and then found me with the thermostat for the heater completely disassembled. 😂 The weather was supposed to be below freezing that weekend so he had to figure out how to put it back together.
🎯 Key points for quick navigation: 00:33 *🏎️ The introduction and background of Dimitri from BBI Autosport:* - Dimitri's self-taught journey in CNC Machining, CAD, and 3D scanning. 03:59 *🚗 The importance of hands-on experience in designing and manufacturing parts:* - Having hands-on experience in manufacturing helps in designing parts effectively. - The connection between understanding how things are made and the design process. 07:01 *🔧 The significance of problem-solving skills in the automotive industry:* - Problem-solving is a crucial skill in all aspects of the automotive industry. - The necessity to understand basics and diagnose issues beyond the surface. - Acknowledging weak points and seeking help from others for solutions. 20:26 *🛠️ Designing for CNC Machining* - Traditional steps from CAD model to CNC milling explained - Importance of matching digital setup to physical setup for CNC machining - Outsourcing CNC machining and communication with machinists 23:13 *🏎️ Career Progression in Motorsport Industry* - Transition from consulting to product development engineer role - Unique challenges in small, fast-paced environments - Diverse responsibilities in a wide-ranging position 24:19 *🚗 Overview of BBI Autosport* - Description of BBI as a small Porsche tuner with a talented, agile team - Evolution of the company and its founder's journey - Reputation and focus on high-quality tuning in the Porsche community 26:09 *📈 Pushing Boundaries in Performance Workshops* - Emphasizing continuous improvement and pushing boundaries - Leveraging creativity, resourcefulness, and efficiency in operations - Collaboration with cutting-edge technologies like additive manufacturing 32:15 *🛠️ Design Process for Product Development* - Internal steps and considerations for the design cycle - Importance of identifying challenges, intent, processes, and product differentiation - Balancing product design with market demands and core values 34:23 *💰 Pricing Strategy in a Competitive Market* - Sensitivity to marketplace pricing while maintaining competitiveness - Justifying price points through product quality and customer service - Addressing market dynamics and considerations in pricing strategies 40:26 *🏗️ Addressing market variability and pricing strategies.* - Understanding the complexity around pricing in the automotive aftermarket. - Market corrections over time based on sustainable business practices. - Importance of economics and business knowledge in component manufacturing. 42:30 *🛠️ Choosing manufacturing techniques based on part requirements.* - Factors influencing material and manufacturing technique selection. - Balancing strength, reliability, cost, weight, and part volume. - Optimal manufacturing choices based on product type and market demands. 50:24 *🔄 Design considerations and performance improvements in intake manifold development.* - Conceptualizing intake manifold designs to address performance needs. - Balancing increased airflow, fueling requirements, and ease of installation. - Evaluating power gains and efficiency with modified intake manifold designs. 01:00:58 *📐 3D Scanning Technology and Fabrication Advancements* - 3D scanning technology helps compare different generations of engine parts for design accuracy. - Collaboration between traditional fabricators and digital designers enhances fabrication processes. - Leveraging 3D scanning in fabricating custom parts improves precision and efficiency. 01:07:00 *🛠️ Choosing a 3D Scanner for Enthusiasts* - Higher-priced 3D scanners offer more consistent accuracy and precision over cheaper options. - Factors like scan speed and field of view impact the scanning process and overall efficiency. - Utilizing a more expensive scanner can save time in the long run, especially for commercial applications. 01:11:40 *🖥️ 3D Modeling Software Selection Considerations* - Transitioning between 3D modeling software can be driven by business needs and functionality. - Fusion 360 offers a versatile solution for a wide range of design and manufacturing requirements. - Choosing 3D modeling software involves evaluating features, ease of use, and long-term scalability. 01:20:11 *🛠️ Utilization of design tools and software* - Finite Element Analysis (FEA) mainly used for mission-critical parts and as time allows. - Majority of design based on experience, with FEA used for logical validation. - FEA serves as a good logic check based on gut feeling and experience. 01:23:33 *🧠 Balancing perfection and practicality in engineering* - Striving for perfection can lead to endless iterations with little added value. - "Don't let perfection be the enemy of good enough" - finding the point of optimal return. - Understanding the importance of constraint and making informed design choices. 01:27:19 *🏎️ Overview of the Hunicorn project* - Initiated from conversations expressing interest in racing the Pike's Peak hill climb. - Collaborative project involving various partners for different aspects like chassis, powertrain, and bodywork. - Completed in approximately 5 months, showcasing exceptional teamwork and project management. 01:39:26 *🚗 Rear-wheel drive vs. four-wheel drive:* - The debate between rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive remains a topic of discussion. - Weight savings and complexity reduction are key advantages of rear-wheel drive in certain applications. - Designing a vehicle involves a constant compromise between different sections' performance. 01:41:31 *🛠️ Design challenges and iterations:* - Designing a car involves balancing trade-offs like weight, complexity, and performance. - Serviceability is crucial in the design process to ensure maintenance and repairs are manageable. - Collaborative design efforts require alignment on work origin and communication for smoother integration. 01:48:38 *🛣️ Reflecting on improvements and changes:* - Reflecting on past projects often leads to identifying areas for improvement and changes. - Iterative design cycles lead to more elegant solutions and better outcomes. - Accepting that perfection is a journey and each iteration enhances the project's quality. 01:58:35 *🚗 Driving experience with electronic aids* - Discusses the experience of driving a rear-wheel St car with electronic aids. - Mentions the unpredictability and lack of confidence caused by the electronic aids during driving. - Emphasizes the importance of repeatability and confidence for weekend warrior drivers. 02:00:14 *🏎️ Advice to younger self and listeners for career growth* - Encourages being braver and more experimental in decision-making. - Highlights the importance of maintaining humility and always learning. - Emphasizes the value of being open to collaboration and different perspectives. 02:03:06 *🎓 Education and success in the automotive industry* - Challenges the assumption that tertiary education is essential for success. - Shares personal experience of achieving success without a mechanical engineering degree. - Advocates for following passions and exploring non-traditional pathways in career development. 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