3D Systems Corporation has installed two Vanguard HS SLS systems at the Renault F1 Team Advanced Digital Manufacturing Centre in Enstone, England. The addition of the SLS (selective laser sintering) systems enables the team to directly manufacture end-use parts for the R24 racecar. Renault F1 Team produces parts on the SLS system for the cooling system, the electrical system and various body parts of the Renault F1 R24. The Team plans to commence manufacturing a large quantity of parts for the racecar on the new SLS systems in-house, increasing production speeds by at least 30% and realising significant time and cost savings. The Renault ADM Centre supports all Formula 1 design, wind tunnel, full-scale applications and low-run production parts for the Renault F1 Team racecar. In addition to the two newly commissioned Vanguard HS SLS systems, the ADM Centre employs four SLA 7000 systems, an OptoForm direct composite manufacturing (DCM) system and a ThermoJet printer.

"The addition of the SLS system capacity to the ADM Centre forms part of our long-term vision for rapid direct manufacturing," says John Mardle, Renault F1 team operations director. "Rapid direct manufacturing plays a significant role in the future production of our racing cars, as we strive to reduce lead times further and guarantee the best possible level of production response time. Through our collaboration with 3D Systems, we benefited from significant advancements in material developments in the field of stereolithography. Using our new SLS system capabilities, we plan to push the technology and applications envelope further."

"Understanding the importance of speed to the racing world, 3D Systems and the Renault F1 Team partnered to create unique rapid design and manufacturing capabilities enabling the Team to dramatically reduce their design cost and time," says Abe Reichental, 3D Systems' Chief Executive Officer. "Working in a fiercely competitive environment, the Renault F1 Team continually pushes the use of solid imaging technology through rigid material testing, to direct manufacturing of production parts for wind tunnel testing to the manufacturing of parts used directly on the racecar. By working closely with leading-edge partners like the Renault F1 Team, understanding their needs, wants and operating environment, we are able to deliver to our partners an expert solution that enables their success, improves their overall performance and enhances their competitive posture. The opportunity to work closely with innovative partners like Renault F1 Team provides us a glimpse towards a future alternative manufacturing environment for the entire automotive industry and beyond."

For more information contact 3D Systems 091 661 295 5600, goodee@3dsystems.com, www.3dsystems.com