Technical polymers and lightweight bearings reduce racing car weight by 2kg

Northampton-based produced of injection moulded polymer bearings and components, igus, has helped a team of undergraduate students achieve a 2kg weight reduction in a racing car design project.

Students from the School of Engineering and Technology at the University of Hertfordshire (UH) are tasked each year with developing a Formula One-style racing car as part of their Bachelors or Masters Degree course.

This year, there was a specific brief to reduce the overall weight of the car and igus attended the University to explaining the features and benefits of using complex technical polymer and ultralight metal components in place of traditional steel ones.

As the vehicle is a racecar, it has an adjustable pedal box containing the brake and accelerator pedals, as the seat is anchored in a permanent position for safety and centre of gravity reasons.

Igus’ ‘drylin TS-04-15’ low-profile rails were used in conjunction with ‘TW-04-15’ miniature carriages for the mounting mechanism of the pedal box. Weighing only 330g per metre length, the cast zinc chromate carriage and hard-anodised aluminium rails are maintenance free, making them ideal for the vehicle. 

The sliding elements are made of wear-resistant ‘iglidur J’ material, a complex technical polymer that is self-lubricating and therefore also requires no maintenance.

The ‘iglidur W300’ flange bearing was also utilised, again giving the important advantage of weight reduction, which is crucial in motorsport, says igus.

The race car is now undergoing an extensive testing program, to put the car through its paces in preparation for competition.

The first trial for the new car will be at the Formula Student event in July, being held at Silverstone, where over 3000 students from around the world will be taking part.  In August, the team will move on to the Hockenheim racing circuit to take part in Formula Student Germany.

Overall, the technical polymer and lightweight metal components supplied by igus have contributed to a 2kg weight reduction of the vehicle. “We wish the UH Racing team continued success,” said Rob Dumayne, Director, igus.