03/02/2026
In modern racing, weight, aerodynamics and the materials used in vehicles determine victory or defeat. For the Formula Student racing team Mainfranken Racing at the Technical University of Würzburg-Schweinfurt, the production of carbon parts is also a central component of vehicle optimization. As part of a design competition, the crew develops its new model every year, relying on state-of-the-art manufacturing processes. This also applies to the vacuum technology from Atlas Copco, which is used to produce the lightweight, high-quality carbon components of the racing cars.
Atlas Copco’s GVS 100A vacuum pump
To ensure maximum quality and reproducibility in the process, the racing team uses the oil-sealed rotary vane vacuum pump GVS 100A sponsored by Atlas Copco Vacuum.
“The robust, compact pump ensures uninterrupted operation and stable, reliable vacuum performance – even under the most demanding conditions. Its ease of use, quiet operation and low maintenance requirements round off the package of advantages," said Alexander Braun, Sales Engineer, Atlas Copco Vacuum.
“Production begins with cutting and applying several layers of carbon fiber fabric, which are impregnated with epoxy resin,” said Marius Hofmann, Chief Technical Officer, Mainfranken Racing. These layers are carefully stacked on top of each other, with the orientation of the fibers varying depending on the direction of stress. “In the next step, the component is either placed in a vacuum chamber or packed airtight with a special vacuum film,” he said.
The GVS 100A from Atlas Copco generates a stable vacuum that evacuates the air from the chamber or film package. “And this step is crucial, because the vacuum removes air pockets that would later lead to structural weaknesses such as microcracks in the component and ultimately to defects,” said Hofmann.
At the same time, the negative pressure causes the resin to penetrate the fibers evenly and excess resin to be squeezed out – this increases the fiber volume fraction, which, in turn, improves the mechanical properties of the components.
Following complete evacuation, the parts are cured at high temperatures for around 12 hours to achieve their final strength and dimensional stability. The result is a high-quality, lightweight and extremely resilient carbon component that can withstand the high demands and material stresses of racing.
The Atlas Copco GVS 100A impresses with its robust, reliable rotary vane technology, which was specially developed for these demanding industrial applications. Thanks to its oil-sealed design, it generates a stable and consistent vacuum, which is essential for precise processes such as the manufacture of carbon components. The integrated oil separation ensures a clean working environment, while the gas ballast valve facilitates the handling of moist gases. A check valve at the inlet protects the system from backflow and increases operational safety. With its compact design, the GVS 100A can be flexibly integrated and offers a reliable solution for applications where repeatability and quality are key.
The combination of innovative vacuum technology and student engineering skills impressively demonstrates how important reliable tools are in the manufacturing of high-performance components. The Atlas Copco GVS 100A not only enables precise lamination processes, but also promotes technical training and progress in racing – and that is a real gain for the Mainfranken Racing team.
About Atlas Copco Group
Atlas Copco Group enables technology that transforms the future and innovates to develop products, services and solutions that are key to its customers’ success. Its four business areas offer compressed air and vacuum solutions, energy solutions, dewatering and industrial pumps, industrial power tools and assembly and machine vision solutions. In 2025, the group had revenues of BSEK 168 and, at year end, about 56,000 employees. For more information, visit https://www.atlascopcogroup.com.
