Driving R&D by Supporting Cutting-Edge Prototyping in Formula Student

Innovation is not a solitary journey; it thrives in collaboration. At Cebi, we believe in partnering with the brightest young minds to stay ahead of the curve. That’s why Cebi Luxembourg proudly supports the ENI Metz Racing Team from the École Nationale d’Ingénieurs de Metz (ENIM) in their participation in the prestigious Formula Student competition, a global challenge that pushes the limits of engineering excellence.

Formula Student: A Launchpad for Engineering Talent

Each year, the ENI Metz Racing Team (EMRT) designs and builds an electric single-seater race car entirely in-house, from scratch. Apart from tires, wheels, and the engine, 85% of the vehicle is homemade, built by engineering students using the most advanced pedagogical industrial workshop in Europe. The facilities include real-world machining tools, robotic cutting and welding stations, and additive manufacturing systems.

Throughout the academic year, students transform a blank sheet of paper into a functioning prototype, competing each summer against over 800 university teams worldwide. The race is not just about speed, it’s about design, build quality, testing, and innovation under real-world constraints.

Cebi’s Dual Contribution: Smart Sensors and Advanced Materials

1. Pushing Boundaries with 3D Printing

In 2024, Cebi enhanced EMRT’s capabilities by providing advanced composite materials for 3D printing, moving beyond Cebi’s traditional prototyping standards. Through this partnership:

• Material Innovation: Initially supporting with standard materials, Cebi explored polymer with fiber reinforcement, valuable for both student projects and Cebi’s own industrial prototyping needs.
• Lightweight Performance: For the 2024-2025 season, Cebi contributed to the development of a front wing element, using an ultra-light, low-density material. Custom print settings and close collaboration ensured performance optimization under demanding conditions.
• Sustainable Engineering: This additive manufacturing approach supports eco-design, minimizing material waste and allowing for re-use of trimmed components, aligning with Formula Student’s carbon impact initiatives.

Additionally, the parts supplied-made from PCFR material, respect strict competition standards, such as UL94V0 for the flammability. 

2. Temperature Sensors in Real Racing Conditions

Cebi also provided temperature sensors integrated into the vehicle to support thermal management and data acquisition, both critical for high-performance electric drivetrains.

• Enhanced System Validation: Real-time data acquisition during race simulations to monitor heat behaviors.
• Increased Reliability: Lessons learned directly contribute to improving the design and reliability of both the EMRT prototype and Cebi’s future product innovations.

Data acquisition has become significant, involving sensors to observe how the vehicle behaves. 

For Cebi, this offered a valuable case study, reflecting challenges similar to those in the automotive industry.

“It’s like working on a miniature version of our clients’ challenges. It sharpens our expertise in thermal management for EVs.” - Angelo Bove, Head of R&D Department Cebi Luxembourg

Beyond Technology: A Partnership of Growth

This collaboration goes far beyond technical contributions, it’s a talent incubator and a bridge to the future:

• Cebi connects with tomorrow’s R&D leaders, reinforcing its innovation pipeline.
• Student feedback helps Cebi refine real-world use cases for its products

“Cebi is our only international partner. Their support elevates our work and gives us reach into Luxembourg and Germany.” - Nathan Kannengiesser, Team Manager, ENIM Racing Team

Results that Speak for Themselves

The EMRT team has achieved impressive milestones:

• 🏁 2nd place in Spain (2022), the first French podium in Formula Student history.
• ⚡ French Champions in 2023 with their first electric prototype.
• 🏆 3rd place in Spain (2024) with their latest vehicle, ZEPHYR—a robust platform for future innovation.

For the 2024-2025 season, the team is going even further:

• Rear in-wheel motors for better torque control.
• Improved carbon fiber monocoque chassis for reduced weight and increased rigidity.
• High-performance battery systems and an optimized aerodynamic package.

Next Destination: Formula 1 Circuits

The EMRT car will soon take on legendary tracks:

• Assen (Netherlands) – July
• Castelo Branco (Portugal) – Late July
• Barcelona-catalunya (Spain) – Early August
• Transpolis (France) – August (on a test crash circuit)

These events will test materials and systems under real thermal stress, where Cebi’s technologies will be front and center.

Each event will put materials, thermal management systems, and engineering expertise to the ultimate test, where Cebi’s technologies will be front and center.

Conclusion: Innovating at Full Speed

The collaboration between Cebi and the ENIM Racing Team is a vivid example of how industry and education accelerate innovation together. It’s about building faster, smarter, and more sustainable vehicles and about preparing a new generation of engineers to shape the mobility of tomorrow.

Cebi brings expertise, tools, and experience. EMRT brings passion, creativity, and fearless innovation. Together, they’re racing toward a smarter, more sustainable future, one prototype at a time.