Desktop Engineering is working in conjunction with a new design consultancy to offer CATIA V5 based Formula 1 design technology and manufacturing expertise to any design project.
The new organisation - XF1tech, comprises a group of former Formula 1 design engineers who apply their combined experience of working with top F1 teams for many years to design and manufacturing solutions for other industries.
XF1tech has already conducted work in the aerospace industry where it was able to improve design-to-manufacturing techniques for a wing system. Another project for a racehorse weighing system drew on the group’s experience with complex composite production methodology allowing them to deliver an improved lightweight design which is much more easily transported to international tracks.
Most recently they have been working on a new sports car for a major OEM.
Geoff Haines, managing director of Desktop Engineering, said of the new venture: “XF1tech’s design abilities, honed in the extreme environment of Formula 1, can be transferred to other industries where they have proven very successful. We are currently working with XF1tech to develop a light armoured military rapid response ‘snatch’vehicle using F1 rapid manufacturing project management techniques.” A planned version of this vehicle is suitable for rallying and it is intended to produce one to enter the grueling Paris-Dakar race.
Tim Robathan a Director of XF1tech concluded: “Carbon fibre’s strength and lightness mean that it will be used to replace metal across an increasing number of applications in coming years. Techniques developed in F1 using carbon fibre are now available to a wider market through XF1tech and Desktop Engineering - which will be adding manufacturing methodology support and its extensive Dassault Systemes CATIA V5 knowledge to our own design-to-production management experience.”
