McLaren Automotive and its official Smart Tooling partner Atlas Copco have begun a new, data-driven era in high-precision, hand-built luxury supercar manufacturing.
Atlas Copco smart tools and digital systems have already been integrated into the manufacture of Artura, 750S and GTS supercars at the McLaren Production Centre (MPC), and now the new W1 – the latest in McLaren’s ‘1’ car lineage – will benefit from the very first client car built.
The data relating to every fixing on each car is automatically entered into a digital passport of more than 2,000 entries. Each one of these fixings, across MPC, are recorded by Avantguard, Atlas Copco’s advanced error-proofing software, which seamlessly transfers this information over to Toolsnet8 for real-time data-readout. This same data is also used by Atlas Copco ALTURE optimisation software, which uses trend analysis to predict and identify potential issues before they occur. It comes together to create a digital ledger of the car as it is built, that is unlike like ever before.
Next-generation Atlas Copco smart tools are not only making a difference in terms of the data now available to McLaren operatives as they move through the build stations of the McLaren Production Centre, but the new level of precision manufacturing is unlocking even more performance from the extraordinary design and engineering that goes into every McLaren.
For example, the McLaren W1’s suspension system incorporates light-weight titanium fasteners that demand controlled and repeatable torque-angle application in production to ensure joint integrity, and the resulting 100-gram weight reduction required.
McLaren operators use the Atlas Copco STRwrench Compact Controller combined with a 250Nm smartHEAD to deliver the high accuracy demanded for the Formula-1 inspired inboard front suspension, and the Atlas Copco Tensor ICB-A single-handed tool when working on the W1’s revolutionary rear-aerodynamic system.
The Rear Active Longtail of the W1 uses bespoke interference pins that allow for reduced packaging and smaller clearances that together deliver lower overall weight. Only by having guaranteed assembly conditions can this be possible.
“Precision engineering demands precision manufacturing. McLaren Automotive's technical partnership with Atlas Copco embeds bespoke, next-generation smart tools to bring new levels of hand-crafted accuracy to the assembly process. This is the future of hand-crafting supercars – intelligent, connected and uncompromising in their execution.”
Matt Walton, Chief Manufacturing Officer, McLaren Automotive
