The technical partnership should result in lighter cars that would therefore use less fuel and produce faster lap times.
According to Hexis, using its HX20000 double-layer PVC film instead of paint is up to 10kg lighter on the Oreca LMP1 race car (Le Mans Prototype 1). It also claimed that vinyl may offer improved airflow over paint.
The film comprises a 50micron pigmented layer under a 30micron clear layer. The pigment is dense enough to ensure no whitening around stretched and curved areas and the upper layer offers improved protection from grit and other debris, the company claimed.
Application is also environmentally friendly. A spokseperson said there is: "no spray booth, no special wear (masks etc), no heavy equipment. The only tools you need for a vehicle wrap are a craft knife, a plastic squeegee and a heat gun. As there is no paint involved you can do this in any workshop - we do demos at exhibitions on a carpeted floor."
The film can be removed and recycled using the same processes as "any other plastic sheeting".
The technology has more mainstream applications. "This sort of application is not limited to race cars ... We have also noted that there are more and more private customers who 'fancy a change' or want to make a gift. On a normal family-sized car the full wrap can be done in one day by one person."
Hexis signs deal to replace paint with vinyl on Oreca Le Mans race cars
Vinyl film specialist Hexis has signed a deal with race team Oreca to develop a vehicle wrap alternative to paint that could improve the performance of its race cars.
