CONCORD, N.C. — There is more than meets the eye when it comes to piecing together results-orientated race cars that Hendrick Motorsports takes to the track each week.
Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines are critical components of the organization’s engine department.
Using CNC machinery, Hendrick Motorsports can turn a block of material into any number of race parts, utilizing precise production of complex shapes and materials to fulfill the needs of a winning race car.
Here are eight things you need to know about how Hendrick Motorsports uses CNC machines.
1) CNC machines use aluminum, steel, cast iron, titanium and bronze to create race shop parts needed each week.
2) CNC machines provide the race shops with a wide variety of parts from engine accessories and cylinders to chassis components.
3) Machinists using CNC machines are highly trained and certified to program and operate the complex machines.
4) Each machinist works on two machines daily while programming code into the computer’s unique software and monitoring the machines.
5) CNC machines generate close to 5,000 pounds of material shavings to be recycled every two weeks.
6) There are a total of 44 CNC machines campus-wide at Hendrick Motorsports.
7) It takes a week or two to program and finish a part in the CNC machines.
8) Hendrick Motorsports has partnered with Haas Automation since 1996. Haas Automation is the organization’s main provider of the CNC machines.