Carbon Fibre Prototype Case Study
Carbon fibre composite prototype design and build
Published
09 Jul 2024
Est Reading Time
2 min
Our client is a market leading engineering company operating in areas of technology that enhance global defence and security, with a long history in the research of new systems and technologies. Their deep understanding of materials and how they perform means they are at the forefront of engineering capabilities and are always looking towards the future.
The project brief was to deliver a complex form, composite assembly for an early feasibility study and demonstration to senior stakeholders. The key challenge was to deliver this proof-of-concept product in under three weeks. Williams Grand Prix Technologies officially launched only ten days prior, so the challenges were stacking up.
The approach and experience we have, through our many years in Formula One, has long been to fully scope out the requirements early on and build a roadmap to delivery from day one of project kick-off. This focus allows our team to understand complex or long lead-time items in order to ensure we cover off all aspects and hit our target for the customer. Specifically in this instance this meant engaging with one of our trusted manufacturing supply partners early to have a design and production review. In collaboration with the customer, our design team modified the part design to adopt an alternative direct moulding technique which saved time in production.
Our expertise within top tier motorsport, provides multiple component and tooling design opportunities and our customer was able to benefit from this vast experience.
The project was delivered from concept design to product delivery within 18 days. The feedback our team received from the customer was extremely positive. Along with the products intended use case, other disciplines within the customers’ organisation intend to extend the use of the product. We are very grateful to be able to deliver this for them ahead of the deadline. We were also able introduce their experienced engineers to alternative ideas and techniques that we have gained during our nearly 50years in Formula One.
What we delivered in summary:
Materials technology expertise.
CAD design and materials production engineering.
Rapid prototyping working with our trusted partners.
Test and evaluation using Williams testing assets.
Immensely rapid response for a project of this type – 18 days.