EOS, Germany, has entered a three-year technical partnership with Williams Grand Prix Engineering and Williams Advanced Engineering, UK. The partnership not only aims at providing Williams with direct and high level insights into the latest additive manufacturing (AM) technologies offered by EOS, but also complements their existing manufacturing processes to support their own AM development project. At the same time both companies will jointly demonstrate AM use within the world of Formula 1 racing.
Williams already owns two polymer EOS systems. As their standard production materials the company uses Alumide and Carbonmide from EOS. Alumide is predominantly used to create stable parts for functional testing, ranging from engine ancillaries and complete gearbox assemblies for mock-ups to jigs and fixtures for laminate production. Carbonmide at Williams is being used for production parts on Formula One cars in conjunction with carbon composite laminates where improved strength is required.
As part of the current agreement, Williams, with the EOSINT P 760, has just installed a highly productive, modular plastic additive manufacturing system, with a large building volume of 700 mm × 380 mm × 580 mm for the AM of polymer parts that offers expanded productivity and part size.
Stuart Jackson, Regional Manager at EOS for the UK adds: “The partnership allows EOS and Williams to jointly expose selected customers to the world of Formula 1 with the aim of illustrating the use of AM in this technically advanced industry. Through its Williams Advanced Engineering business, Williams provides technical innovation that transfers Formula 1 technology solutions focusing on sustainability and energy efficiency to mainstream industries such as automotive, motorsport, transport, energy and other sectors. As such, the partnership is a perfect fit for us as we truly believe that all parties involved will highly benefit from this interchange of ideas.”
Speaking about the collaboration Brian Campbell, Production Manager, Composites and ADM at Williams, adds: “At its core, Williams is a racing team but has many facets to its business in which opportunities for AM applications reside. EOS can help us to turn these opportunities into performance. This partnership also holds a lot of synergies as both companies are family-owned and independent, at the same time driven by guiding principles such as innovation, teamwork and excellence.”
Image caption — Williams FW37 Mercedes racecar on the Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, November 28. Courtesy of Steven Tee/Williams F1.
