UP TO SPEED VALENCIA FIRM QUICKENS DESIGN OF RACE CARS.

Byline: Holly Edwards Staff Writer

VALENCIA - In Formula One racing, every second counts.

So when Valencia-based 3D Systems Inc. developed a computerized machine that could create prototypes of race car parts in a matter of hours - instead of days or weeks - the Benetton Formula One Racing Team jumped at the opportunity.

The Benetton team recently purchased two of the $900,000 solid imaging devices, and can now make a wide range of adjustments to its cars between races, said 3D Systems spokesman Jeff Krinks.

``I think this is making a statement to the entire racing industry that this technology is a necessary part of the design process for their race cars,'' Krinks said. ``If they find something wrong with the car, they can make the change before the next race.''

Known as the SLA 7000 System, the high-tech machine uses liquid photosensitive plastic and ultraviolet lasers to create a plastic model that can be used to create an actual part, Krinks said.

The design specifications are keyed into a computer attached to the machine, and lasers trace the design pattern over the liquid plastic - one tiny layer at a time.

``The laser starts at the bottom, and wherever it touches the liquid, it hardens to a solid,'' Krinks said. ``At the end of the process, the part rises out of the liquid.''

In addition to Benetton, the Jordan Formula One Racing Team and the Porsche Racing Team are using 3D Systems' solid imaging technology, Krinks said.

The technology is also used by automotive manufacturers, aerospace companies, toy makers, electronics companies and medical instrument companies.

Benetton officials say the high-dollar investment in solid imaging is helping the company maximize its use of a new wind tunnel at the racing team headquarters in England.

Because the company is able to produce prototypes more quickly, it is also able to move the parts into the wind tunnel more quickly for testing.

``More and more, we are coming to rely on this technology to prove our designs, and the acquisition of two new SLA 7000 series machines will enhance our capability within all areas of our design department,'' said Pat Symonds, engineering director for the Benetton Racing Team.

3D Systems Executive Vice President Charles Hull developed the solid imaging process in the early 1980s and patented it under the term ``stereolithography.''

The Canyon Country resident founded 3D Systems in 1986, and has been developing faster ways to make plastic prototypes ever since.

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Photo:

Jeff Krinks shows a prototype of an aerospace part made by the machine.

Shaun Dyer/Special to the Daily News