When it comes to auto racing, precision is everything. Any small defect in the components of a race car can have a negative impact on performance or safety, sometimes with dire consequences. Race cars are highly sophisticated vehicles and are subject to extreme driving conditions. So, when one of the most renowned international auto racing teams in the world needed a specialized part, Minalex was called in to create an important structural bracket for the team’s race cars.
Minalex created a custom z-shaped bracket with holes on both ends so that the bracket could be screwed directly into the chassis. The resulting bracket assembly is part of the mounting of the vehicle’s dashboard and electronics.
Prototyping for the Right Solution
The team turned to Minalex in part for their diligent attention to the prototyping process, where problem-solving and rigorous testing can help avoid costly mistakes in the manufacturing process. Using aluminum for the prototypes is an excellent choice from a cost standpoint. Aluminum performs exceedingly well—it’s strong and rigid, yet lightweight—and costs far less than steel and other materials often used in prototyping.
With an ability to be as precise as +/-0.001, walls as thin as 0.020”, and holes as small as 0.040”, the company is able to create a short-run or even just one single custom part with very little notice.
Well-known for creating custom components, Minalex is in high demand for its close-tolerance miniature aluminum extrusions, which are made from high-quality aluminum and offer a tight and secure fit.
Small Quantities & Repeatable Quality
Yet another benefit Minalex offers is the ability to fulfill additional orders for their clients’ custom extrusions at any time in the future and feel confident the components will be identical every time they are ordered. Minalex retains all clients’ extrusion dies for future use if needed.
From NASCAR to Formula 1, to Talladega, Daytona and Nürburgring, this team’s cars are now outfitted with a custom-made bracket that will help them continue to achieve peak performance.
