KNF Supports University of Strathclyde Motorsport Team

Sparking Engineering Excellence in Formula Student

For 20 years, the student-run University of Strathclyde Motorsport (USM) team, which has grown to 60 members, has competed annually in the Formula Student initiative – an established educational engineering competition that promotes the hands-on development of engineering and management talent. It brings together dedicated students from across the university's engineering and business faculties who combine their passion and expertise to create Scotland's first electric Formula Student car.

KNF Pump Drives the Integration of Composites

A key challenge for the USM team is the manufacturing process of their vehicle. Focusing on the integration of composite parts, it is essential to ensure proper vacuum sealing. This is where a KNF diaphragm pump plays a key role: Over the years, a KNF LABOPORT® N 840.3 pump has proven its reliability and efficiency, enabling the USM team to consistently create the vacuum required for vacuum bagging to ensure the stability and integrity of their composites. This process involves placing layers of composite materials, such as fibres and resin, inside a vacuum bag. The pump then evacuates the air from the bag, compressing the materials, extracting any remaining air bubbles and creating a uniform pressure throughout the composite part, which improves material bonding and increases structural stability.

Sharing a commitment to excellence, innovation and a passion for engineering, and with the N 840.3 being a cornerstone of the team's manufacturing process, KNF recently provided a pump repair kit to ensure the continued realisation of the teams ambitious engineering goals.