Thermal coating saves weight on super Lambo
The Zircotec coating is applied to the exhaust system where it reduces the need for heat shields
A high performance thermal barrier will help reduce weight on the Lamborghini Murcié lago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce. The Zircotec coating on the exhaust system reduces the need for heat shields and allows the use of heat sensitive lightweight materials near the exhaust pipe.
“Zircotec helped us in achieving the attention to detail in weight reduction on this programme,” explains Luca Meschiari, head of exhausts at Lamborghini. “Their coating helps save weight yet is also durable, and meets our requirements in terms of performance and quality more than other solutions we have seen.”
Zircotec’s Thermohold based ceramic coatings offer OEMs a robust, easily packaged solution that can dramatically inhibit the transfer of heat from exhausts and catalysts, retaining the heat inside the system to protect surrounding components.
The coating is plasma-sprayed, in effect welding it to the base material, making it more resilient during heat cycling, abrasion and life testing. The whole process eradicates the need for heatshields and wraps that add weight and complexity. Learning from their experience in F1, Zircotec can ‘tune’ the coating’s thickness to cope with ‘hot spots’, applying the optimum amount to minimise weight (as low as 0.03g/cm² for some applications).
“The Murciélago SV is a growing testament that Zircotec’s coatings help weight reduction, reduce complexity and keep the car cool,” concludes Whyman.
Images for this article - click to enlarge
Unless otherwise stated, all images copyright © Mercator Media 2012. This does not exclude the owner's assertion of copyright over the material.
