Makita UK, with MTS Power Tools of Northampton, got behind this year’s Formula Student competition, where University teams design, engineer, build and operate a single seater racing car as an integrated part of their engineering and electronics courses.
Managed in the UK by the Institute of Mechanical Engineers, the annual Grand Prix event is held at Silverstone and this year attracted more than 80 University teams from more than 20 countries, including Saudi Arabia, Ecuador, Pakistan, Egypt and, for the first time, Mexico.
Makita UK and MTS Power Tools set up a ‘Power Tool Centre’ positioned at the heart of the teams’ pit garages to provide a comprehensive inventory of power tools and accessories to assist the teams with their final preparation. Some teams had to carry out modifications required by the scrutineers who are responsible for making certain that all the vehicles meet the regulations and comply with the stringent safety rules.
“Makita is proud to have contributed to the success of Formula Student and will aim to expand this support role in future years to secure the continued development of young engineers for industry,” said Kevin Brannigan, Makita UK Marketing Manager. “Together with MTS our own team members had a very busy four-day experience and it was great to be able to support these highly talented and very enthusiastic young people. We wish them all well in their chosen careers.”
100 tool loans made in the competition
Teams requested advice and guidance on the Correct and Safe Use of Power Tools for equipment they had not experienced before and were unfamiliar with, and Makita’s demo team were kept busy over the four days of the event showing how the tools operated and assisted the young engineers with hundreds of tasks. Power tools were loaned to the teams who took them to their pits to carry out various tasks. Nearly 100 tool loans were made during the event which also attracted more than 10,000 visitors who arrived to watch the vehicles in action and the teams at work in the garages.
The overall winner of Formula Student 2017 was the team from Cardiff University whilst the two teams from University of Bath, with whom Makita already has a good working relationship – the Internal Combustion Engine team and the All Electric Powered team – took first and second positions in Class 2. This indicates that their vehicle design will be capable 12 months’ from now of being a fully accredited, running contender for the overall winning category.
Makita also got behind the competition last year.