Light weight construction for racing cars

Light weight carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CRP) have proved to be suitable for light weight constructions. There are different processes for the manufacturing of CRP components. The Lion Racing Team primarily uses prepreg, single line injection and vacuum infusion.

Challenge

A new prototype vehicle is to be manufactured for the annual participation in global Formula Student Events, the clear aim of which is to reduce the total vehicle mass. This is why big components such as the Monocoque, steering-wheel, seat as well as aerodynamics for additional road adhesion are manufactured with the above-mentioned methods.

The tight schedule and restricted budget of student racing teams only allow for one try for the majority of the components. To this end the manufacturing process must take place with a fine vacuum around the components.

Solution

For the precise measurement of the required vacuum, a digital vacuum meter with a piezo and Pirani combination sensor is used (VD85). It is used to monitor the vacuum values and to detect leaks. As soon as a stable target vacuum is reached, the process of curing is initiated.

Source: Lions Racing Team e.V.

The well-known racing champions and specialists for light weight construction use our vacuum gauges for diverse processes and applications.