MCL35 - McLaren Racing – Official Website

05Prototype Technology

Prototype Technology

Our stereolithography (SLA) prototyping facilities uses lasers moving at 25m/s to heat-treat a bath of liquid photopolymer resin to rapidly form new components. Far quicker than conventional methods, this technique creates 400 new parts each week.

Electronics info

Supplied by McLaren Applied, including chassis control, power unit control, data acquisition, sensors, data analysis and telemetry
Instruments info

Dashboard supplied by McLaren Applied

25m/s The number of metres per second our rapid-prototyping machines scan at to help us build 400 new components every week.

03Chassis

Chassis

In our carbon laboratories, we’re able to measure the tensile strength of carbon-fibre samples. This tiny strip withstood a force of 4.5 tonnes – far in excess of any requirement on the car – before failing, ripping itself apart with ballistic strength.

Monocoque

Carbon-fibre composite, incorporating driver controls and fuel cell
Weight

Overall vehicle weight 746kg (including driver, excluding fuel)
Weight distribution between 45.4% and 46.4%

34,000 We use this many linear metres of carbon fibre every year.

02Manufacturing

Manufacturing

Mazak’s multi-axis machines have massively reduced the time required to manufacture components. In 2014, it took three men 12 hours to machine a single F1 wheelnut. With our new machines, we can produce one every two hours.

BODYWORK

Carbon-fibre composite, including engine cover, sidepods, floor, nose, front wing and rear wing with driver-operated drag reduction system
Front & rear suspension

Carbon-fibre wishbone and pushrod/pullrod suspension elements operating inboard torsion bar and damper system

16,000 A grand prix car is the world’s most complex jigsaw puzzle, comprised of 16,000 individual parts.

01Simulation

Simulation

Every Formula 1 team tests intensively away from the racetrack. Our brake dyno is a perfect example of how we assess concepts and components before trying them in the heat of competition. But it’s only one of an increasingly important suite of simulation tools.

Brake system

Featuring Akebono brake calipers
and master cylinders, the Akebono
‘brake by wire’ rear brake control system,
and carbon discs and pads
Clutch

Electro-hydraulically operated, carbon multi-plate
SAFETY STRUCTURES

Cockpit survival cell incorporating impact resistant construction and anti-penetration panels