The Renault formula One team is placing its faith in stereolithography technology for part design and low-run production of components at a new digital manufacturing centre in the UK An advanced digital manufacturing (ADM) centre has been established at Enstone in the UK by solid imaging company, 3D Systems and the Renault Formula 1 team. The facility, which is due to come on stream this month, will concentrate on F1 design and low-run production parts for the Renault F1 team car, using stereolithography (SL) systems. We began our relationship with 3D in 1998, producing SL parts with one of its SLA5000 systems for wind tunnel testing, recalls Renault F1 team technical director, Mike Gascoyne. Starting with one SLA system, we used it to produce rapid iterations of designs for wind tunnel testing, while exploring new and inventive designs typically not easily produced by traditional methods. Two SLA7000 systems were subsequently acquired in 2000, when the two companies entered into a technical partnership. In addition to the two existing SLA7000 machines, the AADM centre now boasts two more of these systems, plus an Optoform paste system and thermojet solid object printing unit. Future additions are expected to include 3D's selective laser sintering (SLS) systems. * 3D Systems has released four new 'Accura' materials for its SLA systems. SI 10 creates parts with a glossy top finish and is suitable for thin wall parts and master patterns. SI 20 has high green strength and is recoatable, requiring no pre-dip delay. 3D says the material is up to 20% faster than competing products used on the SLA7000 system. Meanwhile, for the solid state systems, SI 30 is a fast and durable material, featuring high photo speed and low viscosity, that can be used for functional prototypes. Accura SI 40 combines high temperature with toughness, making it suitable for under-the-bonnet applications, wind tunnel testing and flow analysis.