Pole position show for motorsport engineering

Unquestionably, the motorsport industry – one of the largest users of specialised production engineering technology – is undergoing a significant period of change with new rule introductions to top tier motorsport such as Formula One and the World Rally Championship. Furthermore, the increasing popularity of series such as Formula E is helping to drive demand for specialist manufacturing services.

Autosport Engineering caters specifically to technology suppliers and buyers and will feature the world’s biggest names from the motorsport, advanced engineering and the high performance automotive sectors.

A number of engine, drivetrain and powertrain manufacturers will be present, showcasing the latest advanced products manufactured using precision machining and cutting tools.

Berkshire-based Xtrac is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of high performance transmission and driveline components using state-of-the-art machine tools and processes. Complex components are accurately manufactured using CAD data on a broad spectrum of specialist machining tools for use in a variety of applications in motorsport, engineering and automotive.

For Xtrac, ground spiral bevel gears, including hypoids, are manufactured using Klingelnberg KIMoS calculation software in a closed loop manufacture method. Its Klingelnberg KNC40 CNC spiral bevel cutting machines and Gleason straight bevel Coniflex generator machines provide high quality parts true to the original design specification.

A selection of CNC wire and spark eroding machines are used for general machining operations and also for gear cutting operations to overcome limitations with conventional processes such as hobbing and shaping where there is potential for tooling runout.

Gear grinding, gear cutting, heat treatment and shot peening, milling machines, turning (Okuma LB 25 CNC lathe) plus surface (Walther Trawel) and parts finishing (Bud Lather and Mafac parts washer) all form part of Xtrac’s extensive manufacturing services.

Leicestershire-based Arrow Precision operates SolidWorks CAD software plus an extensive range of plant such as 3-,4- and 5-axis CNC machines to manufacture a range of bespoke and race-proven performance parts.

Banbury-based Laser Lines will also feature at the show and is one of the UK’s foremost suppliers of manufacturing and services including 3D printing, industrial lasers and photonics applications.

With 3D printing rising to prominence in motorsport development, Laser Lines claims to have one of the industry’s most capable machines – the Stratasys J750, claimed to be the world’s only full-colour, multi-material and high-definition 3D printer. Using this machine, Laser Lines is able to offer customers a vast range of choice to produce parts to suit virtually any application. The company also offers lasers for marking, welding, drilling and cladding and will preview it’s range of precise and intricate products as well as established services for the motorsport industry.

Other exhibitors with a global footprint such as the Capricorn Group, Titan Motorsport, Quaife, McLaren Applied Technologies and Hewland Engineering are amongst 600 exhibitors previewing their latest product ranges and engineering services.

In addition to the exhibits, Autosport International and Autosport Engineering offer an extended range of networking events and business focused activities. This includes an all-new space within Autosport Engineering for buyers and suppliers of motorsport technology to meet and discuss new opportunities. This new business hub complements the Motorsport Industry Association (MIA) International Business Lounge and the ongoing business workshops running throughout the show.

The trade and technical area runs throughout the four-day event and ideally complements Autosport Engineering.

Enhanced for 2017 is the informative Tech Talk feature in association with Race Tech Magazine. Attendees can present their products/company to a captive audience and capitalise on Autosport International’s business-centric environment to network and grow business contacts.

Tech Talk gives members of the motorsport and precision engineering industries the chance to promote new products and discuss innovative, topical and important subjects within the industry. The overwhelming success and positive feedback from the first Tech Talk at Autosport International in 2016, means that will continue in 2017 with even more news from the industry’s leading companies and engineers.

To participate in next year's Tech Talk, register at autosport.international@haymarket.com

Kate Woodley, show manager, Autosport International, comments: “Autosport International has always been a steadfast supporter, serving both motorsport fans and industry professionals alike. For more than a quarter of a century, Autosport International, along with Autosport Engineering, has established itself as an invaluable tool for companies, engineers, trade buyers and decision makers to network ahead of the new season.

“Precision manufacturing in the UK forms a vital part of the motorsport business, especially given that a large majority of global racing teams and their associated suppliers, are based here. Over 600 exhibitors, from all four corners of the globe, are expected to be at Autosport International in 2017 and the show continues to provide the best platform for the industry to do business.”

Autosport International www.autosportinternational.com