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AEROSPACE AUTOMOTIVE BUILDING RAIL ELECTRONICS MEDIA & PR |
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One of the very first automotive businesses to use Superformed panels was Aston Martin on the Lagonda, in the 1970s. Since then, things have come a very long way for both Superform and Aston Martin, both of whom are now a part of global manufacturing businesses, and the relationship continues with the very latest supercars, the DB9 and the Vanquish.
Above: The Aston Martin V12 Vanquish
Above: The Aston Martin DB9 The all new DB9 signifies an evolution of the well loved DB7, and represents a sports car that embodies the traditions of the marque, with the technology and aspirations for the future. The DB9 is manufactured at the new factory in Gaydon, Warickshire, and combines the best automotive technology with the renowned Aston Martin hand crafted skill to create, what will be, the pinnacle of the British sports car market. The use of Superformed parts on both vehicles shows the versatility of the process for a range of body and chassis panels. The Vanquish, the top of the range supercar, has a range of Superformed external bodypanels, and stiffening panels, whereas the new DB9, a higher volume car, makes use of Superformed components for structural chassis parts in the footwell. From subtle, A Class external surfaces to complex three dimensional structural components, the Superform process excels.
Above: CAD rendering showing all the panels on the Vanquish made by Superform Chief Programme Engineer on the Vanquish, Ian Minards said, “We used the Superform process to give us dimensionally accurate panels at an affordable tooling price for a niche product. We looked at conventional stamping but realised the shapes would be difficult to achieve using conventional pressing techniques. We are extremely happy with the support we receive from Superform and feel that the process might lend itself to future products”. And on the DB9, this proved to be the case, with the development of a complex Superformed chassis assembly for the footwell bulkhead. Superformed in 5083 alloy, the 4 components were designed specially for the process and demonstrate the viability of both Superforming and 508 alloy for structural chassis parts in higher volume vehicles.
Above: CAD rendering showing Superformed footwell on the DB9 |
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