Racing for Success at Prost Grand Prix

 

In 1997, world championship driver, Alain Prost, acquired the Ligier Formula 1 team. Now named Prost Grand Prix, the team is now one of the major competitors.

 

Grand prix racing is a very competitive business. The formula one parts are very complicated and must be machined to very precise tolerances. The materials, such as carbon, composite plastics and metals, resin, etc., are also very expensive. To protect their investment, they have been using VERICUT since 1996. They have two people to verify the accuracy of their G-code files. They also use the Machine Simulation module to check the entire machining process and determine an optimum strategy. VERICUT enables them to simulate a number of different ways to machine the part, then pick the best approach.

 

VERICUT is fully integrated into the team’s manufacturing process. "The software is simple to use and very efficient," said M. Roubinowitz, one of the engineers responsible for verifying NC programs. "It’s a wonderful tool. We’d like to dedicate even more energy to machine simulation. In the future we plan to take full advantage of all the possibilities VERICUT offers."

 

The support provided by the French office is also important to the team. "We rarely have a problem with the software. But when we do have a question, the answers are always quick and efficient." Prost Grand Prix recently signed an agreement with Peugeot who will provide the engine.