Speeding development of electric hypercars
Rimac Technology steers simulation data with Shimadzu’s Autograph AGS-X
Gordana Ribarić, Dr. Primož Štefane, Rimac Technology
Rimac Technology designs and manufactures high-end electric hypercar components. Based in Zagreb, Croatia, the company is part of the Rimac Group, which also includes Bugatti Rimac, and has a well-established reputation for the engineering, development and production of high-performance battery systems, electric drive units, electronic systems and user interface components. As part of Rimac’s drive to refine its competitive edge in this exceptionally demanding field, the company recently acquired advanced Shimadzu material-testing machines. Two company experts tell us why.
Leaders of the pack
Hypercars are the highest-performing consumer sports cars in the world. They are produced in extremely limited editions, and their price is always breathtakingly high. In recent years, these exceptional vehicles have begun to adopt electrification, and both hybrid and completely electric vehicles (EV) are now increasingly common. Within this highly competitive niche, a number of companies continuously strive to create even greater performance – by testing the limits of what is possible.
One of these fast-moving companies is Rimac Technology, which designs, engineers and manufactures electric hypercar components. Based in Zagreb, Croatia, the company is particularly well-known for its engineering, development and production of high-performance battery systems, electric drive units, electronic systems and user interface components specifically intended for the growing electric hypercar market.
One of these fast-moving companies is Rimac Technology, which designs, engineers and manufactures electric hypercar components. Based in Zagreb, Croatia, the company is particularly well-known for its engineering, development and production of high-performance battery systems, electric drive units, electronic systems and user interface components specifically intended for the growing electric hypercar market.
Staying ahead of the curve
As Rimac Technology has grown – and as hypercar EV technologies have evolved – the company’s desire to better utilize the potential of mechanical-properties testing for research and development has also increased. Previously, they had been dependent on expensive and time-consuming third-party testing. Now, they wanted to take control of the wheel and steer the process themselves.
After thoroughly investigating the matter, they decided to purchase a universal testing machine (UTM) from Shimadzu. Rimac Technology simulation engineers Gordana Ribarić and Primož Štefane explain why:
How did you become familiar with Shimadzu?Shimadzu is very well-known for its cutting-edge products, and many facilities in Croatia use their equipment. So, Shimadzu material-testing machines were already familiar to us.
Shimadzu testing machine
After thoroughly investigating the matter, they decided to purchase a universal testing machine (UTM) from Shimadzu. Rimac Technology simulation engineers Gordana Ribarić and Primož Štefane explain why:
How did you become familiar with Shimadzu?Shimadzu is very well-known for its cutting-edge products, and many facilities in Croatia use their equipment. So, Shimadzu material-testing machines were already familiar to us.
What were your reasons for choosing Shimadzu? We made the decision to select Shimadzu devices after analyzing the market of existing leading producers of mechanical testing equipment. After a detailed analysis of several options, we chose Shimadzu’s Autograph AGS-X 100kN device, which we determined would provide us with high-precision measurement results at an appropriate price.
How are you utilizing the equipment? We use the UTM to test materials and components for our automotive components. We need to precisely measure the mechanical properties of any given material because the accuracy of simulation results is dependent on the accuracy of the input data.
Simple & safe
While the original purpose of the AGS-X 100kN was quality control, an increasing number of companies are now also using more advanced R&D applications. The AGS-X 100kN allows users full control over all the test parameters, and they can run as many tests as they like – at any time that’s convenient for them. Shimadzu’s UTM is also an exceptionally safe machine, with multiple safety features which unobtrusively offer solid protection. Gordana Ribarić and Primož Štefane tell us more:
Which features of the equipment do you consider to be most valuable? The most valuable feature is the possibility to create our own methods for testing materials and components through the Trapezium X software. We are also pleased with the ability to operate the machine using software or by using the operating panel on the machine. All of the tools and grips are quite easy to connect to the device, and we highly value the return function that helps us to position the crosshead in the same position before each test.
Has the AGS-X 100kN met your expectations? Yes. For us, the most significant characteristic of the machine is its ability to allow us to create customized methods for testing materials. We are also very pleased with the overall high safety level for the machine operators. There are several levels of protection.
Was it easy to learn how to use the new equipment? The AGS-X 100kN – together with its software Trapezium X – is very intuitive to use and we have not had any problems with the testing. It is so intuitive that we were able to immediately work with it the day after our training. In addition, Shimadzu application engineers are always available to us for consultation and assistance.
When your destination is success
Dedicated expert support was another reason why Rimac Technology chose Shimadzu. In the highly competitive hypercar production field, speed is of the essence – not only in the final product but in development and production as well. Even the best hardware and software sometimes need expert assistance, and Shimadzu is able to supply that to Rimac through its well-developed support network in Croatia. As Gordana Ribarić and Primož Štefane put it:
Are you satisfied with the support you have received from Shimadzu? We are extremely satisfied with the service and support of the Shimadzu team and with their level of understanding of our needs and the speed with which they have responded to our requirements.
How satisfied are you with the reliability and durability of the AGS-X 100kN? We are extremely satisfied with the reliability and durability of the equipment. For instance, the test frame has a high rigidity, which ensures durability.
And how would you describe Shimadzu’s impact on your R&D process? Our new UTM machine has had an extremely significant and positive effect. It has accelerated the process of testing materials and glued and welded joints and helps us to optimize the process parameters in bonding and welding technologies as well as in selecting the proper materials for our requirements.
Success in this case also has ramifications for environmental sustainability. The data gathered by Shimadzu’s AGS-X 100kN helps improve simulations run by Gordana Ribarić, Primož Štefane and their colleagues. This, in turn, helps them and Rimac Technology create lighter, stronger automotive components for electric vehicles.
Sustainable satisfaction
From battery and vehicle systems to torque vectoring, e-axles, advanced driver-assistance systems, infotainment, connectivity and UX/UI – Rimac Technology is a full technology solutions provider to global OEMs. Shimadzu is an established provider of high-quality precision lab equipment and expert support. It is particularly pleasing when such companies can work together in the creation of high-quality products – especially when those products are part of the growing movement away from fossil fuels and toward a more sustainable future for all.
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