ATHOL, MA-The L.S. Starrett Co. sponsored the University of Michigan’s solar engineering team in the creation of its newest solar-powered racecar, Infinium The sponsorship included a range of precision tools. The car will be raced in the World Solar Challenge, in which teams from technical institutions around the world design, build and race solar-powered cars in a cross-country event. This October Infinium will travel to Australia to race against the world’s top teams in the competition.

The university’s solar car team has won five of the last nine first-place trophies in the challenge. “Since we expect high precision and accuracy from our team,” says Gabe Arroyo of the University of Michigan team, “we also demand such precision accuracy from the tools we use. Starrett has helped fill our precision tool needs by sponsoring our 2009 Infinium project.”

“In addition to being renown for the quality and accuracy of our standard precision measuring tool products, Starrett is especially committed to providing innovative custom measurement and gaging solutions,” says Hardy Hamann, vice president of marketing and business development. “Starrett is honored to sponsor this effort, where custom solutions to challenges are fueled by the sun.”

Starrett donated a variety of precision tools to support the team’s project, including micrometers and slide calipers to make measurements that ensure the car’s machined parts are within the appropriate tolerances. Calipers also were used to check dimensions on aluminum, titanium, steel, aramid core and other demanding materials. A height gage was provided by to ensure precision results when checking appropriate sizes on larger parts. Measuring tapes and steel rules were used to measure lengths for consumables, curved surfaces and part lengths. To cut aramid core, carbon fiber and other consumables for carbon fiber layups, hacksaws and utility knifes were provided.

For more information about the L.S. Starrett Co., call (978) 249-3551 or visit www.starrett.com.