Lightening the load

Igus has been asked to help UH Racing, the University of Hertfordshire's Formula Student team, make its car lighter as a result of rule changes. The brief for this year's design required smaller wings and some additional work needed to be done on the vehicle's aerodynamic performance.

In a road car, the seats are adjusted back and forth on heavy steel rails to accommodate the leg length of the driver.In a racing car the seat position is anchored firmly and it is the pedal box, which contains the brake and accelerator pedals, that is adjustable.

"We used the igus drylin T linear guide rails and carriages for the mounting mechanism of the pedal box," said UH Racing team member and final year Engineering student, Ashley Craig.

Igus drylin TS-04-15 low-profile rails and miniature carriages were used for the mounting mechanism of the pedal box, weighing 330g per metre length. Although the guide systems were developed for automation and handling systems, they can accommodate diverse and extreme environments.

The first trial, after testing, for the UH18 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.

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