Product category:
Rapid Prototyping
News Release from: Moog FCS
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 23 March 2001
Formula One team uses stereolithography
systems
3D Systems has supplied the Formula One racing giant Mild Seven Benetton Formula 1 Racing Team with two high-end SLA 7000 systems in a technology and marketing alliance
3D Systems has joined forces with the Formula One racing giant Mild Seven Benetton Formula 1 Racing Team in a technology and marketing alliance Benetton Formula 1 uses 3D Systems' solid imaging technology to build parts for racecars that will be driven by Giancarlo Fisichella and Jenson Button in the 2001 Formula One World Championship
This article was originally published on Engineeringtalk on 20 Jun 2008 at 8.00am (UK)
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The process enables Benetton engineers to produce new parts easily and quickly from computer-aided design (CAD) data - a necessity for making quick adjustments to improve the performance of their cars between racing events.
As part of the marketing alliance, Benetton Formula 1 has acquired two high-end SLA 7000 systems from 3D Systems.
The machines, in use and on display at the team's headquarters, create concept models, visual aids, master patterns for investment casting and wind tunnel models, as well as aid in the production of final assemblies fitted on the racecars.
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"In order to improve the competitiveness of the Mild Seven Benetton Formula 1 team and maximise the return on investment of our new wind tunnel, we have recently moved to a double shift system in our Aerodynamics Department," said Pat Symonds, engineering director for Mild Seven Benetton Formula 1 Racing Team.
"We felt that increasing our reliance on 3D Systems' stereolithography (SL) technology was the most cost-effective solution that also maintained the high quality we require for our experimental work.
More and more, we are coming to rely on this technology to prove our designs, and the acquisition of two new SLA 7000 series machines will enhance our capability within all areas of our Design Department," Symonds said.
According to John Murray, 3D Systems' senior director of global business development for motorsports, Benetton Formula 1 is using the stiffer SL 7520 material for parts tested in the wind tunnel and SL 7540 for parts that require more durability.
Both materials are developed by Vantico and distributed by 3D Systems.
"Benetton Formula 1's proven success with stereolithography extends far beyond traditional prototypes," Murray said.
"They have exploited the unique characteristics of stereolithography, including part transparency for visualization of fluid flow, into areas that were previously undeveloped.
For instance, using SL they are able to build pressure tappings directly into the components for testing in their wind tunnel.
"Benetton Formula 1 has been utilising stereolithography since the installation of their SLA 5000 system in 1998.
Their dedication to the technology and focus on agility and speed has set new standards in the highly competitive F1 racing industry," Murray said.
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