FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Thomas Papesh - email: thomas@rapidline.com
TELEPHONE: (815) 727-4362 - please use pictures and copy from the Rapid Line design equipment section
Patented Vehicle Design & Manufacturing System Dramatically Speeds Automotive Development
Rapid Line's RL7000 Rapid Line Design & Manufacturing System enables automotive designers, racecar builders and manufacturers to dramatically speed up the development and production of new vehicles, and achieve higher levels of precision at a substantially reduced cost. Unlike conventional "flat" tables requiring specially fabricated fixtures, the RL-7000 features multi-axis arms that can be positioned anywhere within the tubular frame of the system for faster set-ups and adjustments. The universal, mobile design system's multi-tasking capability is consistent with the "common process" concept being incorporated by major automakers, and eliminates the need for "dedicated" tools to accomplish tasks ranging from unitized body, tube frame and suspension design, to drive train and body fabrication. The RL7000 is currently being used in a variety of applications, including the manufacture of racecars, limited production vehicles and concept cars.
Rapid Line Industries, Inc., has an impressive history of providing specialized products for the automotive industry. In addition to the universal, mobile-bench prototyping systems currently being used by automotive designers/ manufacturers, racecar builders around the globe, the company also offers the Rapid Line software tool for calculating and simulating engine, chassis and suspension design and development. For more information contact: Rapid Line Industries, Inc., 455 North Ottawa Street, Joliet, IL 60432. PHONE: (815) 727-4362.
RL7000 PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Thomas Papesh,
TELEPHONE: (815) 727-4362
E-mail: thomas@rapidline.com
MULTI-AXIS, MULTI-TASKING DESIGN BENCH DRAMATICALLY ACCELERATES THE DEVELOPMENT OF AUTOMOTIVE PROTOTYPES
JOLIET, IL-Introduced by Rapid Line Industries, Inc., the RL-7000 Rapid Line Vehicle Design & Manufacturing System is specifically engineered to enable automotive designers and manufacturers to speed up the development and production of new vehicles, and achieve higher levels of precision at a substantially reduced cost in the process.
Highlighting the RL-7000 are multi-axis arms that can be positioned anywhere within the tubular frame of the bench promoting quick, easy set-ups and adjustments. This contrasts with equipment currently available to automotive designers and racecar builders that employ a conventional "flat table" requiring specially fabricated fixtures that can make even minor changes and adjustments a lengthy and costly process. This capability to make changes "on the fly" not only speeds up the overall process, but also provides the expanded capabilities that give technicians more design options for greater creativity.
Another key advantage of the universal, mobile bench design system is the multi-tasking capability that is consistent with the "common process" concept major automakers are currently integrating into their design and production processes. This capability eliminates the need for "dedicated" tools to accomplish tasks ranging from frame and suspension design, to drive train and bodywork. The RL-7000 easily rolls from station to station to provide a productive tandem of mobility and convenience.
The RL-7000 readily adapts to both existing vehicle designs and new prototype models, and offers faster set-up for improved productivity. In addition to accelerated mounting times, the modular system is compatible with most existing fixtures and measuring systems. Beyond accommodating a broad and flexible range of design tasks, the RL-7000 is adaptable to virtually every automotive body style. All adjustment and assembly tools are included with the basic unit.
Engineered to carry a "full-dressed" car, the high-strength RL-7000 features alloy steel construction, fixture-welded components, high-quality roller bearing swivel wheels, and a rust-resistant zinc finish.
Optional wheel types are available, including adjustable, high-temperature wheels that are ideal for track systems and paint booth bake ovens. Also available is an economical laser attachment to establish datum base and centerline points with a level of precision that is comparable with measuring devices costing thousands of dollars more.
The modular-designed RL-7000 offers a compact footprint that reduces space requirements and congestion in crowded production areas. Additionally, work height easily adjusts to suit ergonomic requirements. Engineered to provide an added measure of safety, RL-7000 employs a positive-locking system that holds vehicles in a secure, stable position, safeguarding workers both above and below the vehicle.
The RL-7000 is the result of a collaborative effort with a major U.S. automaker that had been using Rapid Line's RL-1000 mobile bench.. The RL-7000 represents a direct response to that same company's request in 2005 for a design system that offers greater convenience and flexibility, as well as improved safety and ergonomics. In addition to the RL-7000s currently being employed by this customer, Rapid Line has also sold numerous units to other automakers, as well as the racing industry and concept car builders.
Rapid Line Industries, Inc., has an impressive history of providing specialized products for the automotive industry. In addition to the universal, mobile-bench prototyping systems currently being used by automotive designers/ manufacturers, racecar builders and repair facilities around the globe, the company also markets Rapid Line software tool for calculating and simulating engine, chassis and suspension design and development. For more information contact: Rapid Line Industries, Inc., 455 North Ottawa Street, Joliet, IL 60432. PHONE: (815) 727-4362.
RL-7000 PLAYS AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN ENSURING IDENTICAL CAR SET-UP FOR SHELBY COBRA RACE SERIES
Located in Las Vegas, NV, Finish Line Motorsports, Inc., is the Shelby-licensed dealer for the CSX 4000 Cobra. In addition to constructing the street version of the CSX 4000, Finish Line Motorsports has also been designated by Shelby America as the exclusive source for the identically prepared racecars for the upcoming Cobra Senior Challenge. Among the drivers signed to compete in the series are such legendary motorsport figures as Mario Andretti and Parnelli Jones.
Finish Line Motorsport's first task was to put the 35 year old Cobra design in line with the Sport Car Club of America's (SCCA) regulations for competition cars. This entailed reinforcing the original chassis with a SCCA Pro Racing-approved cage and drivers compartment intrusion system. The chassis was also triangulated in order to cope with the greater forces generated by today's racing tires.
According to Thomas Barnard, one of Finish Line Motorsport's chief fabricators, the RL-7000 enables them to design/build the race-version of the Cobra, while ensuring the level of precision necessary to achieve the identical car set-up dictated by the IROC-inspired racing series. "To ensure that each car is set-up identically, we use the Rapid Line measuring system ," explains Barnard. "This allows us to confirm the accuracy of all X, Y and Z measurements at any point on the car."
In comparing the system with previous flat-type benches, Barnard cites the RL-7000 for its flexibility, adaptability and mobility. "We're a fairly small shop, so there aren't a lot of extra hands. In many cases, I am putting the pieces together and adjusting the fixtures by myself....which is no problem with this design bench." Barnard adds that he is unaware of any design system that offers a similar level of flexibility. In his words: "It will adapt to just about anything."
The design bench represents the latest collaborative effort of Finish Line Motorsports and Rapid Line Industries. However, Barnard points out that the relationship between the two companies initially began when they incorporated Rapid Line's software, a computer-aided design/simulation/racing software package, into their CSF 4000 development program.
With the Rapid Line Software, "...we were able to make changes to the drive train and suspension geometry, and see how those changes would affect the rest of the chassis. It took only a few hours of working with the program to make changes that we were satisfied with," explains Barnard, adding that those changes resulted in 2-1/2 second faster lap times.
Rapid Line Industries, Inc., has an impressive history of providing specialized products for the automotive industry. In addition to the universal, mobile-bench prototyping systems currently being used by automotive designers/ manufacturers, racecar builders and repair facilities around the globe, the company also markets the Rapid Line software tool for calculating and simulating engine, chassis and suspension design and development. For more information contact: Rapid Line Industries, Inc., 455 North Ottawa Street, Joliet, IL 60432. PHONE: (815) 727-4362.
