Wedoany.com Report on Feb 27th, Hexagon has announced that advanced measurement solutions from its Manufacturing Intelligence division played a pivotal role in the development and manufacturing of Red Bull Ford Powertrains' inaugural power unit. Facing new regulations set for the 2026 F1 season, the team leveraged Hexagon's coordinate measuring machines, 3D laser scanners, and related software to achieve sub-micron manufacturing tolerances for their new 1.6-liter V6 turbo hybrid power system.
The new rules aim to drive Formula 1 cars towards greater agility, safety, and sustainability, involving a comprehensive redesign of both chassis and engine. Despite an increased proportion of electrical energy application, aerodynamic adjustments leading to reduced downforce have set higher performance standards for the power unit. To meet this challenge, Red Bull initiated an in-house powertrain manufacturing project at its Metrology Campus in Milton Keynes in 2021 and brought in Ford Racing as a technical partner in 2023.
Since engine production began four years ago, Hexagon's metrology equipment, such as the Leitz PMM-C precision coordinate measuring machine and the Leica Absolute Scanner AS1, has been crucial in achieving thousandth-of-a-millimeter tolerances and ensuring the timely delivery of power units. These tools have accelerated the inspection process from prototyping and test bench validation to mass production. The Leitz PMM-C is widely used in the manufacturing assembly area, while the portable AS1 scanner is employed for quality control on the external surfaces of components like the crankcase and energy recovery system.
Hexagon's measurement technology has enabled the Red Bull Ford Powertrains team to digitize quality checks and integrate them into the engineering workflow. Data is captured using QUINDOS software for processing complex geometries such as gears, then transmitted to Q-DAS for statistical trend analysis. This integrated solution supports the monitoring of CNC machines and provides corrective feedback, helping components meet specifications on the first attempt.
Oracle Red Bull Racing, responsible for chassis manufacturing, also utilizes Hexagon measurement technology, including laser trackers, to ensure the precision of new vehicle setups and power unit assembly. Hexagon's 3D laser scanning and trackside support are vital for ongoing aerodynamic optimization. It is reported that the team faces approximately 30,000 design changes per season and, relying on Hexagon's digital solutions, has reduced failure rates by 50% within 24 months.
