OUR PARTNERS
MUSTANG/PLATINUM
Cal Poly’s Mechanical Engineering Discretionary Fee Allocation Committee, or MEDAC, provides the opportunity for mechanical engineering students and clubs to apply for funding for projects. MEDAC exists to further the learning of all mechanical engineering students with this funding, and to embody Cal Poly’s “learn by doing” motto. Cal Poly Racing has been able to utilize some of these funds for building new cars every year, maintaining old cars for testing purposes, and acquiring more testing sensors and equipment. MEDAC has helped Cal Poly Racing grow in numbers by giving more members opportunities to participate in our yearly endeavors.
Mustang 60' and Aero Hangar are on-campus machine shops for students run by Cal Poly’s College of Engineering. The shop is well-equipped with a variety of machines, such as saws, water jets, laser cutters, and 3D printers, offering students access to cutting-edge tools for their projects. Here, students can bring their designs to life, from concept to production while collaborating with others. The machine shops are the lifeblood of Cal Poly Racing. Since the team's founding, the Cal Poly Racing has relied on the resources and support provided by the Hangar and Mustang 60'. These facilities play a vital role in enabling student-led projects and fostering a culture of hands-on learning and experimentation.
General Atomics and affiliated companies develop defense technology and conduct research. GA Aeronautical Systems Inc. (GA-ASI) creates unmanned aircraft with surveillance systems used often by the United States Department of Defense. GA Electromagnetic Systems Division (EMS) creates aircraft launch and recovery systems in addition to the rail gun and high power lasers. General Atomics generously provides Cal Poly Racing with monetary donations and materials for building our vehicles each year. Many of our members are recruited for internships each summer and gain valuable experience through these experiences.
Batemo is a global leader for Lithium-Ion battery simulation software based in Germany. They develop battery cell physical models and parametrize the characteristics of these cells. Batemo has provided Cal Poly Racing with a cell model and cell data and parameters for the cells that are used in our team's batteries. This data and model has allowed the team to improve the performance and accuracy of our battery management systems. With these tools, our team has been able to develop a system that will consistently perform at its best. Batemo's support has helped us gain experience with professional tools used in the automotive and motorsports industries.
Ansys is a developer of engineering simulation software used in product design and product testing. Ansys is used for Finite-Element Analysis (FEA) on both the Formula and Baja teams. This tool is used to analyze stresses and deflections in our parts, and we use the analysis results to refine our designs and reduce unnecessary mass. All our Baja SAE shafts, Formula SAE uprights, and several other critical parts were analyzed using Ansys Mechanical, allowing us to analyze contact stresses and determine the likelihood of failure on these critical parts.
We also use Ansys ACP for composites analysis on the Formula SAE team, where we use it to analyze both global and local chassis loads and deflections. Ansy provides both a high-level user interface and low-level advanced commands, making the software easy to use for both basic and advanced users on the team.
Tesla, an automotive manufacturer headquartered in Austin, has been at the forefront of the electric vehicle industry. In addition to producing electric vehicles such as the Model S, Model X, Model 3, and Model Y, Tesla is also involved in the production of energy storage systems, solar products, and renewable energy generation. Tesla's energy products include the Powerwall, a rechargeable lithium-ion battery for residential use, and the Megapack, a utility-scale energy storage product. The company's solar products range from traditional solar panels to solar roofs made of textured glass tiles. Tesla is dedicated to reducing the world's dependence on fossil fuels and fighting climate change. For the 2022-2023 season, Tesla has generously supported the Formula team by donating their new high-density lithium-ion batteries to power our electric vehicle and manufacturing wheel hubs for both our combustion and electric vehicles. This has greatly reduced the labor burden on our busy team, enabling us to drastically improve the quality of our vehicles.
Toray is a leader in textile and chemical process technology to create fabrics and materials for all applications, namely personal protection, structures, sports, and defense. Toray has provided Cal Poly Racing with composite materials including prepreg carbon fiber. These high-quality materials are essential in creating the strong, lightweight components for our vehicles. With Toray's support, Cal Poly Racing team members not only gain access to cutting-edge composite materials but also invaluable hands-on experience in composite design, analysis, and manufacturing techniques.
Lucid is a luxury electric vehicle manufacturer that specializes in high-performance and sustainable vehicles such as the Air and upcoming Gravity. Their cutting-edge technology and sleek design have earned them numerous accolades amongst critics and consumers alike. Their commitment to sustainability extends beyond their products, as they aim to achieve carbon neutrality in their operations by 2025. In addition to producing innovative vehicles, Lucid provides invaluable engineering aid such as scanning our engine to the Formula team which helps prepare us for competitions.
Hexagon is a software and technologies company headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden. It specializes in digital reality solutions that can be used in product design and testing. The Cal Poly Racing Baja team uses the ADAMS CAR software from Hexagon to simulate full vehicle and suspension level dynamics. This allows the team to fine tune kinematics and compliances at the suspension level and vehicle dynamics characteristics at the full vehicle level. The software helps the team determine design loads on a virtual vehicle in order to optimize structural design of every component.
Altium is a developer of industry-grade EDA software. Cal Poly Racing uses their latest release, Altium Designer 24, to streamline the process for each and every new PCB designed. Everything from component management to schematic capture to layout is done using their single unified tool. The support provided by Altium has not only modernized the electrical team's board design process but has also significantly reduced the time required from conceptualization to proof of concept. With the efficiency gained through using Altium Designer 24, Cal Poly Racing can now focus more effectively on optimizing hardware performance.
Tektronix is a leader in the field of test and measurement equipment, offering a variety of products tailored for various industries including electronics, telecommunications, and aerospace. They create oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, and signal generators, and accessories that are vital for research, development, and manufacturing processes. Tektronix has given Cal Poly Racing oscilloscopes to test the electrical systems of the team's vehicles.
Superior Thread Rolling Company provides high-quality thread rolling and machining services. With a specialization in crafting high-quality threaded parts, particularly for aerospace and defense applications, Superior Threads exemplifies precision and reliability in its craftsmanship. They have been one of Cal Poly Racing's biggest and longest-term sponsors. Superior Threads generously provides raw material stock, facilitating the production of high-quality components for the team's vehicles while fostering hands-on learning experiences for students.
Henkel is a global consumer goods and chemical company based in Düsseldorf, Germany. With a focus on industrial adhesives, cleaners, and coatings, Henkel provides high-quality products across various industries. As a longtime supporter of Cal Poly Racing, Henkel has generously provided us with Loctite and other chemical products for the construction of our Formula and Baja vehicles. Their contributions have significantly improved the efficiency of our manufacturing processes, making the creation of our vehicles possible. Henkel's commitment to innovation and sustainability is evident in their wide range of products and initiatives, including their involvement in social responsibility programs that promote education and job training for underprivileged communities.
Siemens is an multinational technology company based in Munich, Germany. With a strong presence in sectors spanning automotive, medical, aerospace, and beyond, Siemens stands as a cornerstone of technological innovation. Their products and services set the standard within their respective industries, reflecting their commitment to excellence and innovative solutions. Siemens has generously provided Cal Poly Racing with access to NX and Simcenter STAR-CMM+, their CAD and CFD software respectively.
As a global leader in composite materials, Hexcel provides high-quality products to various industries, including industrial, aerospace, military, and defense. Their expertise lies in the production of carbon fiber, fabrics, resins, and other materials. This year, they have generously supported the Formula team by supplying us with cores for the production of our combustion and electric chassis. This aid has helped our team manufacture our vehicles and given our students valuable experience into what it takes to produce a carbon fiber chassis.
FK Bearings Incorporated is a leading manufacturer of rod ends, spherical bearings, custom-engineered bearings and similar products used in industries ranging from construction equipment to performance racing. FK Bearings has generously donated tens of thousands of dollars in parts over the years to our Baja and Formula teams. Parts such as rod ends and spherical bearings have allowed our suspensions to articulate to our desired travel heights and steer angles. With the high misalignment bearings our Baja car achieved 14 inches of suspension travel and over 45 degrees of steer angle with minimal added mass. The precision series rod ends allow Cal Poly Racing’s formula cars to have light weight, precisely articulated suspension and steering for smooth linkage kinematics and great vehicle handling.
The Gene Haas Foundation is a philanthropic organization established by Gene Haas, the founder and owner of Haas Automation, Inc. In addition to supporting local community causes, the foundation offers scholarship grants and sponsorships to empower individuals pursuing education and careers in manufacturing. The foundation cultivates high quality talent and innovation in the industry by supporting future generations of engineers. The Gene Haas Foundation's generous donation has enabled the Cal Poly Racing team to successfully manufacture, design, and compete with our vehicles.
Aerocrafted is a San Luis Obispo based company that integrates aerospace design and engineering principles into creating everyday carry tools. In addition, Aerocrafted provides in-house manufacturing services and engineering aid in the design, analysis, and testing of aerospace systems. They have generously given Cal Poly Racing access to the equipment in their local SLO facility. Specifically, the team was able to use Aerocrafted’s 5-Axis CNC mill to improve the steering uprights of our vehicles. Using their CNC machine allowed us to refine the shape and design of the steering uprights, creating lighter-weight components.
Rivian is an innovative electric vehicle manufacturer headquartered in Irvine, California. Their flagship products, the R1T truck and R1S SUV, combine off-road capabilities with sustainable design, creating a unique driving experience. Rivian is committed to achieving zero carbon output throughout their entire product line, from materials sourcing to manufacturing processes. The company supports both our Formula and Baja teams through generous financial donations that enable us to purchase necessary materials for our cars. Additionally, Rivian provides engineering aid to students on both teams, helping to improve the design and performance of our vehicles.
Levrack, headquartered in Nebraska, is a pioneer in crafting innovative storage systems tailored to meet diverse client needs. Their products include versatile shelving systems and a wide array of accessories used to optimizing storage efficiency across various industries. Levrack has provided Cal Poly Racing with their seven-foot storage system, Back Slatwall Mounting Kit, and internal slatwall to help the team maintain organization in our workspaces.
Advance Adapters provides specialty aftermarket accessories for the offroad, 4WD, and rock crawling community. They provide a wide variety of equipment like engine-transmission adapter plates, auxiliary gearboxes, and their famous Atlas-4 transfer case, the only aftermarket transfer case with three separate low gear range ratios in one unit that fits to nearly any off-road vehicle! All products are designed and manufactured in their 44,000sq.ft. facility in Paso Robles, California, and Advance Adapter’s proximity to Cal Poly, along with their large alumni employment, has created a strong bond the team now shares with the company. Advance Adapters provides not only knowledge and insight into the process of designing gears and gearboxes, but also generously donates materials and machine time on their CNCs, which specialize in creating gear and spline tooth profiles. Since the Cal Poly Baja vehicle operating using a AWD system, Advance Adapters has also been able to share their experience and foresight in designing and manufacturing for a more robust, versatile powertrain system capable of withstanding all the abuse that comes from an offroad environment. Most people go to a dentist to get their teeth done, but Cal Poly Racing goes to Advance Adapters.
Michigan Scientific Corporation provides engineering services through its manufacturing of slip ring assemblies, transducers, signal conditioning electronics, and other measurement solutions. Their equipment is popularly used in performance testing and research within the automotive and aerospace industries. Michigan Scientific has kindly lended Cal Poly Racing with wheel force transducers, which are high quality automotive sensors that record loads affecting the wheels of the car. It has allowed the team to record impact loads and accordingly design suspension and powertrain parts that experience high impact loads without adding excess weight. The team was also able to validate vehicle dynamics models of the cars by measuring the forces on the wheels during braking, accelerating, and cornering. With Michigan Scientific’s support, Cal Poly Racing hopes to collect data about tire characteristics this spring in order to develop more accurate models of vehicles for cornering dynamics.
Multimatic, headquartered in Ontario, Canada, is a renowned global automotive supplier with a specialization in providing parts to a wide range of Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). They also demonstrate their dedication to pushing the boundaries of automotive engineering through their heavy involvement in motorsports. Multimatic has generously provided Cal Poly Racing with its industry leading DSSV dampers derived from its racing success in open wheel racing and sportscars for our Formula vehicles. Additionally, the team benefits from access to Multimatic's four-post testing rig located at their Ontario headquarters.
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