Renault and 3D Systems Enhance Relationship

Renault announced today enhancements to their relationship with California-based 3D Systems, who provide the team with solid imaging solutions for both windtunnel and full-scale applications.

Renault already used the company's products in their Advanced Digital Manufacturing Centre (ADMC), which is the largest rapid manufacturing facility of its kind in Europe. Furthermore, 3D's products are used to create physical parts for Renault's F1 cars directly from their designer's computers, rather than passing the designs to the manufacturing section to be created in the workshop. This process has a substantial time saving over more traditional methods.

"The addition of the SLS system capacity to the ADMC forms part of our long term vision for rapid direct manufacturing," explained Renault's Operations Director John Mardle. "Rapid direct manufacturing has a significant role to play in the future production of our racing cars, as we look to further reduce lead times and guarantee the best possible level of production reactivity.

"Our collaboration with 3D Systems has already seen significant materials technology advances in the field of stereolithography, and we will now be looking to push harder and further in terms of product technology using our new SLS system capabilities."