Ricardo invests in advanced manufacturing technology

Due to an unprecedented increase in demand for its performance transmission products, Ricardo has invested £0.5M to enhance the precision gear grinding capability at its UK Midlands Technical Centre.

The need for precision manufacture of high performance transmissions for applications ranging from Formula One and World Rally Championship to the endurance events such as Le Mans, has never been greater. With almost every aspect of motorsport engineering a potential means of advantage on the circuit, competition transmissions must exhibit ultra-high standards of reliability as well as performance if they are to contribute to race success.

Competitive performance transmissions not only need to be designed effectively and optimised to a high degree, they must also be manufactured to exceptionally precise dimensions. With individual gears needing to be ground to tolerances within just a few microns, Ricardo is investing in some of the very latest German manufacturing technology.

The new Höfler Promat 400kk gear grinding centre installed recently will not only deliver closer production tolerances than ever before, it will also enable the manufacture of more advanced designs. A super high frequency spindle for running small diameter grinding wheels will, for example, enable gears and splines with restrictive access to be produced. The system will also enable gears to be cut from blanks where no tooling is available. The new Höfler unit will compliment Ricardo’s existing grinding facilities which include an Oerlikon Opel 80 and a Reishauer 362.

“We are pleased to announce this significant investment in our advanced manufacturing capability”, said Mark Barge, Ricardo director of high performance transmissions products. “Ricardo has built an enviable reputation in the design and manufacture of race-winning transmission and driveline systems for the highest levels of motorsport. This success relies upon access to the latest manufacturing and design technologies. The addition of this advanced new gear grinding facility demonstrates our commitment to this highly competitive business, and to the race success of our customers.”