Gripple steers local pupils towards national technology challenge final

A team of engineering students from a Sheffield secondary school has reached the national final of F1 in Schools with help from Gripple Automation.

The worldwide technology competition creates a fun, exciting learning environment, linked to the Formula One, aiming to develop young people’s interest in science, technology, engineering, maths and marketing careers.

A six-strong team of 15-year-old boys, studying their technology and engineering GCSE at Bradfield School, entered the challenge which required them primarily to design and produce a scaled down, but F1 accurate, racing car. The car’s design had to take account of aerodynamics and technical regulations.

Gripple Automation, part of the Sheffield-based manufacturer Gripple Limited, responded to the team’s city-wide appeal for sponsorship and partnership by offering help with the car’s design and sponsorship. Its hi-tech prototype equipment came in handy when producing the plastic front and back of the ‘toy’ size car.

As the challenge also required a pit display, Gripple Automation’s sponsorship also included display materials, t-shirts and jackets for the team, then branded Steel Racing. Also required were two 10-page portfolios on enterprise and engineering which the boys produced themselves.

Steel Racing steered through the regional final, held at the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) in Rotherham. The national final will be held at Silverstone soon and the world final will be in Texas.

Mark Steeple, the Gripple Automation manager, said: “The lads’ enthusiasm and commitment was outstanding and it was a pleasure to be their partners. After all their hard work and extra hours they deserve to be ‘lifting the cup’ at Silverstone and we wish them luck!”

As part of Gripple Limited, Gripple Automation provides the world-beating manufacturer with design and build bespoke machines to improve manufacturing processes and significantly increase performance.

Gripple Automation’s expertise of designing and building high volume, precision automated machines is now offered to any company.