Willem Toet

In Motorsport, especially in F1, we spend huge sums on lightweight structures which increasingly include AM parts.  But why?  Of course, weight itself is a key performance differentiator. However, in virtually all Motorsport categories, there is a minimum weight.  Nonetheless, teams strive to remove weight as much as possible.

In his presentation, Willem will explore the ways teams have taken advantage of the advances in Additive Manufacturing technologies for safety and performance.  Much of this is structural, but a great deal relates to the ability to make ever less plausible aerodynamic shapes and the weird and wonderful ways that F1 teams have exploited structural gains to win an advantage.

The impressive safety improvements that have been made are also because of advances in manufacturing capabilities.  Willem will look at some examples of advances in safety, why and how they have been implemented, then show some of the secrets behind the strange and complex aerodynamic shapes used with the reasons behind them.  Modern AM and composite capabilities continue to advance at pace.  Just imagine trying to create a modern Formula 1 car without these amazing manufacturing capabilities.  Aero super freaks like me would have to curb their enthusiasm – and we’re not used to that!  Thanks to advances in materials technology we don’t have to. On TV the aerodynamics is discussed publicly – some real heroes are not acknowledged as often – but in this conference you have a chance to hear from them. Of course, Willem will point out some of the (less secret) parts of the car which are created using additive manufacturing.”