ADM centre 'a step forward' for Renault F1
The first Advanced Digital Manufacturing centre to be specifically configured for F1 design and low-run production parts will be commissioned in December by Renault F1 in Enstone, UK. The technology is being provided by US specialist 3D Systems of Valencia, CA, which has supplied Renault (né Benetton) with stereolithography (SL) equipment for rapid prototyping since 1998. "This is a step forward for the F1 industry," said Renault technical director Mike Gascoyne
Founded in 1986 by Charles Hull - the inventor of stereolithography - 3D Systems manages its relationship with Renault F1, which was expanded into a full technical partnership in 2000, out of its European HQ in Hemel Hempstead, UK. When fully operational, the team's new ADM centre will be equipped with four high-end 'SLA 7000' systems, an 'OptoForm' paste system and a 'ThermoJet' printer. Future additions will include 3D's selective laser sintering ('SLR') systems technology.
Gascoyne continued: "When we began our relationship with 3D Systems in 1998 with a single 'SLA 5000' system, we used it to produce rapid iterations of designs for wind tunnel testing. But we could also explore new and inventive designs typically not easily produced by traditional methods. Our utilisation of the first SLA system exceeded its capacity and, in 2000, we acquired two additional 'SLA 7000' systems. Now our new ADM centre will allow us to develop and surpass any design concepts and part production that we had previously envisioned, and fully to utilize our expertise in new car design, testing and production."
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