Solar Team Twente is building an innovative solar car for the World Solar Challenge. With De Spiraal's custom springs, light, strong and reliable, the car gains in efficiency and performance. This collaboration provides crucial benefits in weight, durability and speed, so that the team appears stronger at the start.
Solar Team Twente is a student team at the University of Twente that develops an innovative solar car every two years to participate in the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge in Australia. This international racing event is all about efficiency, technology and reliability.
Solar Team Twente's solar car consists of numerous specially designed components, where precision and customization make the difference. One of the technical challenges? Finding springs that perfectly match their strict weight, size and durability requirements.
That is why Solar Team Twente was looking for a partner who not only has in-depth technical knowledge, but is also able to contribute flexibly and proactively to a dynamic development process.
Solar Team Twente has been collaborating with Verenfabriek De Spiraal for several editions. Over the years, a strong collaboration has developed, based on technical expertise, short communication lines and the ability to switch quickly when necessary. This year, too, they were able to build on our commitment and focus on solutions.
In close cooperation, we investigated the technical requirements for the suspension system. Our engineers and operators made an active contribution and made various proposals for specially designed springs that were suitable for the use of Solar Team Twente. These included custom-made leaf springs (shim plates), torsion springs and gas springs.
Thanks to this collaboration, the right springs could be selected in time, applied immediately and delivered without delay. The components fit seamlessly into the design, allowing the team to quickly move on to the next development phase.
The custom springs van De Spiraal make it possible to use specific, lightweight parts that make the solar car even more efficient. In a race where every gram counts, weight savings provide immediate gains in speed and energy consumption. In addition, the springs contribute to a stable and reliable suspension system. The high quality of the material and workmanship reduce the risk of mechanical failure, an essential advantage when racing thousands of miles across the Australian desert. The result? A lighter, more reliable car and a greater chance of success in the final ranking.
“Without De Spiraal's springs, we would not have been able to integrate our customized systems. Thanks to their flexibility, craftsmanship and close involvement, we now have a lighter and more reliable solar car. In doing so, we increase our chances of getting a podium spot in Australia.”
— Victoria Verhulst | Technical Manager Solar Team Twente —
