Flex Locs from ACE play a key role

In 2019, the Siegen team, which is organized in a club and has around 30 members, opted for the first monocoque construction made of aluminium in more than 10 years of racing activity. The decision to use the light metal monocoque was made not only for economic reasons but also because of its better torsional rigidity compared to conventional tubular frames. Many parts are made of carbon and unique 3D printed parts and were analyzed in CFD simulations. They contribute to the fact that Molly accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 3 seconds and generates a downforce of up to 2,700 newtons at a top speed of 130 km/h.

ACE's Flex Locs quick-fastening elements are detachable blind rivet connections that provide simple vibration and shock insulation as well as insulation against structure-borne noise © ACE shock absorber

So far, the vibrations and shocks caused by this have not affected the electronics themselves. Tom Kellmann, 2019 member of the chassis team and team leader until 2018, sums up with satisfaction: "The quick-fastening elements from ACE are of good quality, easy to handle and, what is particularly important in racing: they are light!"

The Flex Locs are fixed in place using standard screws in sizes M3 to M8, whereby they tighten like rivets between the front and clamping side. The elastic connecting elements can also be fastened by screwing them into blind holes, for example to connect them to existing building structures. They isolate structural resonances down to 150 Hz. The degree of isolation that can be achieved against normal structural vibrations is up to 80 percent. When not used in racing, the main areas of application for these little helpers include power units and machines, cladding, sheet metal and flanges, as well as attachment elements on buildings, vans and construction machinery.