Pushing the boundaries of technology: In the fast-moving world of Formula One, the rapid production of redesigned components is imperative

摘要

During the course of a racing season, some 90% of the components in an F1 car will be redesigned, so the ability to manufacture with speed and precision - while maintaining the highest levels of quality - is vital. Vodafone McLaren Mercedes had already been a customer of Coventry-based Faro Technologies UK Ltd (www.faro.com/uk) for nearly 10 years before appointing the metrology company as its Official Supplier of measuring systems - such as the Faro Edge Arm, the Faro Gage, the Faro Laser Line Probe for non-contact measurement, and software such as CAM2 Measure 10, which now includes 'point cloud' capability. While R&D is an important activity, McLaren's assembly and production processes must be able to translate the results into products that meet stringent quality requirements. Andrew Tagg, regional manager UK at Faro Technologies, says: "The first Faro Arm went into the composite inspection area; next, we supplied a Laser Line Probe - an attachment on the end of the arm that is used for non-contact measurement and allows the user to scan the surface of a pattern, taking millions of points.