Renault strengthens partnership with Charmilles.

The Mild Seven Renault F1 Team today announced the extension and enhancement of its relationship with Charmilles, a pioneer of innovative Electric Discharge Machining [EDM] solutions.

Under the new agreement, the Team has received the latest, most versatile, Charmilles EDM machine-models at their Technical Centre in Enstone. These eight machines include one Robofil 690, two Robofil 440cc, two Robofil 240cc and three Roboform 350 machines.

The partnership with Charmilles is a keystone of the Renault F1 Team's manufacturing operations. The advances made possible by EDM enable the production of complex metal components beyond the capabilities of conventional milling and turning technologies. Charmilles machines now produce over three hundred different parts on the Renault F1 R24, which represents approximately 5 per cent of all drawn parts in areas as diverse as the front and rear wings, brake system, transmission and suspension.

"We are delighted to see our relationship with Charmilles enhanced even further," commented operations director John Mardle. "Since their introduction in 1996, Charmilles machines have allowed our designers to adopt radical new approaches to the design and manufacture of certain strategic car components. This new agreement will allow us to continue making significant steps forward in these areas."

"We are extremely proud to continue this partnership with the Renault F1 Team from a technology point of view, as well as from a tactical and strategic point of view. Their vision is closely aligned to our own," comments Christian Piantchenko, head of market support. "This technology partnership offers an ideal platform to market the Charmilles-brand and its core values."