We have all heard it lots of of occasions; Formula 1 is about pace. But, as vehicles get larger and sooner, and observe limits turn into more and more stricter, it is also about precision, on and off the observe.
TechRadar Pro Hexagon was invited to Oracle Red Bull Racing’s (ORBR) headquarters in Milton Keynes to take a more in-depth take a look at a number of the latter’s metrology applied sciences and listen to extra about how that is serving to to raise its efficiency, one millisecond at a time.
Hexagon are metrology specialists, that means they assist producers accumulate high-quality measurements and technical knowledge, bridging the hole between digital and bodily capabilities.
Formula 1’s regulatory physique, the FIA, imposes extremely strict guidelines on the load, top and width of vehicles, and any violations carry severe penalties and even disqualification (as George Russel found at Belgium 2024).
To adjust to these laws, Oracle Red Bull Racing implements Hexagon know-how, measuring the observe, the automotive and even the climate right down to the best knowledge level.
Quality at excessive pace
Hexagon gives cutting-edge laser scanning know-how so the staff understands the automotive, observe and enhancements as a lot as attainable always.
For instance, the Absolute Scanner AS1 makes use of blue laser know-how and superior programming, combining most “always-on” efficiency with ease of use for high-productivity non-contact 3D measurements.
The scanner unit can full 1.2 million dots per second with out efficiency degradation, “on any floor, regardless of the end or materials”; In truth, it is so exact, the staff says, that it might measure a single layer of paint.
“Hexagon is a manufacturer first and foremost,” says Jason Walker, vp of common manufacturing at Hexagon, “we make devices, equipment, we also develop software and all that to help our customers, both the manufacturer and the meter, make products.”
The laser trackers enable the staff to measure the automotive’s setup whereas at headquarters in Milton Keynes and likewise on the observe on race weekends, with wearable gadgets accompanying the staff world wide.
Set up with only a tripod behind the automotive within the pits, it might observe the precise place (x,y,z) of a laser scanner or probe within the operator’s hand to make sure the automotive is configured because the staff meant for max efficiency, with out breaking extremely strict laws.
Industry-changing know-how
The know-how is so superior that it truly modified the usual of measurement in sports activities.
Previously, the FIA used an aluminum block positioned below the automotive to find out trip top together with bodily measurement indicators.
But in Formula 1, millimeters matter, and if there is a chance to shave even an additional 0.001s off the automotive’s time, Red Bull will take it. So Red Bull began utilizing Hexagon’s Leica Absolute Tracker AT960 to get an much more exact measurement, so they might push the automotive to absolutely the restrict of the laws.
“The goal is to be accurate but also consistent, to improve consistency in manufacturing,” says Hilke Priesett, director of worldwide expertise administration for the Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence division.
“And as such, enhancing high quality, which general results in what? Reduced waste, lowered prices and sooner time to market. So for Red Bull, it is all about pace. For F1, it is all about pace. For our manufacturing clients, and for Hexagon, it is also about pace.”
The new normal
Other groups rapidly adopted the tracker and now the FIA itself makes use of Hexagon gear to measure and examine the automotive, figuring out its legality.
ORBR has lowered failures by 50% within the final two years with Hexagon’s ultra-fast scanning applied sciences, serving to to make sure that every part is manufactured to actual specs and with full precision, whereas the automotive is reassembled for every race.
This must be excellent, as not solely will the automotive lose efficiency if any small element is out of alignment, however you additionally run the chance of the automotive not complying with laws and struggling a factors deduction, grid penalty or disqualification.
“It’s greater than the know-how itself; it is the partnership,” says Sophia Heath, technical recruiting engineer at Red Bull. “Hexagon’s engineers work alongside ours to show knowledge into selections on the pace of Formula 1. That collaboration helps us discover efficiency enhancements sooner, meet new laws with confidence and proceed to push the boundaries of what’s attainable on and off the observe.”
- “Speed is everything”: how Arm and Aston Martin’s new wind tunnel seeks to usher in a brand new period of success