How are composites used in sporting goods?

Carbon fiber composite bicycle frames are the highest-profile application of composites in sporting goods – but they have also long been used in high-performance fishing rods, tennis rackets, skis, surfboards and more. Protective equipment such as helmets, or high-performance athletic shoes, can also be made with composite materials. Source: Composites end markets: Sports and recreation

How are composites used in consumer electronics?

Composites are often used under the cover of consumer electronics, such as for components in circuit boards. Composites have also been trialed for lightweight, high-performance laptop and phone covers and other applications. Source: Composites end markets: Electronics

How are carbon fiber composite bikes manufactured?

Today, many carbon fiber composite bike frames are fabricated and shipped from fabricators in Asian countries, largely incorporating labor-intensive hand layup processes with carbon fiber-reinforced epoxy prepreg. Efforts are being made to develop more bicycle manufacturing in the U.S. and Europe, including more automated processes and thermoplastic materials, or even 3D printing. Source: Cycling forward with bike frame materials and processes

CONSUMER

Consumer

Exel Composites pultruded rods enhance Umbrosa parasol durability

The Belgium-based manufacturer chose pultruded fiberglass ribs for many of its umbrella and parasol designs to effectively endure exposure to high wind speeds, saltwater, rain and UV.

Grace Nehls
Managing Editor, CompositesWorld

Carbon Fibers

Colored carbon fiber composite bike wheels launched at The Cycle Show

Wheel brand Parcours reveals composite bike wheels using Hypetex colored carbon fiber to achieve aesthetic, lightweight and performance goals.

Consumer

Nalgene Bottle Production Completes Conversion to Certified 50% Recycled Material

Nalgene Outdoor has completed the conversion of its reusable water bottle manufacturing process to Eastman's Tritan Renew.
#sustainability

Construction

Plastics Machinery Shipments Rose in 2022’s Final Quarter

The Plastics Industry Association’s (PLASTICS) Committee on Equipment Statistics (CES) reported that injection molding and extrusion machinery shipments totaled $432.7 million in Q4.
#medical #electronics

Consumer

Aluula Composites, Black Diamond develop climbing helmet

The 2023 Vapor helmet uses Aluula Gold composites — polymer films with UHMWPE fibers — for a 44% increase in strength-to-weight ratio, and 31 grams less weight.

Greener camping: Sonic X breaks barriers

Prototype travel trailer generates excitement, leads to new commercial models.
#weaving #electricvehicles #workinprogress

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Consumer |

Blow Molder Confer Plastics Celebrates Golden Anniversary & the ‘American Dream’

This family-run firm fills a specialized niche with a culture of innovation and environmental stewardship that realizes the dreams of its founders, its employees and its customers.
#workforcedevelopment

Matthew Naitove Executive Editor, Plastics Technology

Videos / Podcasts

Consumer

We Are One announces new Convergence carbon fiber rims, wheels

November 28, 2022 - 11:00 AM EST

Boston Materials ZRT composite films are featured in the twisted-shape bicycle rim, enhancing strength, durability and light weight.

Consumer

Digital Demo: UV-Cured Powder Coating on Carbon Fiber

November 01, 2022 - 12:00 AM EST

Keyland Polymer's R&D chemist will demonstrate the UV powder coating application process followed by UV curing on a carbon fiber water bottle holder. (Sponsored)

Consumer

CDZ Compositi introduces patented 3D Flex Composite

October 17, 2022 - 10:30 AM EST

Specialist in structural and aesthetic prepreg press parts enhances 3D shaping and flexibility in composite parts using carbon and other reinforcement fibers.

thermoplastic waste for composite athletic shoes

Thermoplastics

Athletic shoe developed with repurposed thermoplastic waste

April 15, 2022 - 12:00 AM EST

Manufactured via a single-step molding process, Decathlon’s Traxium Compressor soccer cleats propel the sporting goods market toward more recyclable solutions.
#application #sustainability

Consumer

SNO-GO ski bikes increase performance, reduce weight with carbon fiber components

February 16, 2022 - 12:00 PM EST

Engineered with articulated rear skis for more control and accessibility, SNO-GO’s new hexagon-shaped carbon fiber components reduce weight and increase performance.

Carbon Fibers

Carbon Mobile relocates smartphone production to Germany

September 13, 2021 - 8:00 AM EST

Carbon Mobile’s Carbon 1 MK II, a carbon fiber, plastic-neutral smartphone, aims to close the gap on e-waste.
#electronics #sustainability

Testing

NTU Singapore, Arkema manufacture carbon fiber helmets using Elium resin

July 30, 2021 - 11:53 AM EST

Carbon fiber reinforcement increases stiffness, toughness of the helmet’s outer shell and allows it to absorb more impact energy over a longer period.

Consumer |

Lighter, stronger, faster bionic hand aided by composites design

Psyonic’s touch-sensing prosthetic hand leverages bionic technology, 3D printing and a carbon fiber composite exterior for light weight, high strength and high-tech functionality.
#application

Hannah Mason Technical Editor, CompositesWorld

Carbon Fibers

Jabil, KAV Sports deliver customized composite bike helmets

Innovative materials science and 3D printing collaboration meets stringent criteria, enables mass customization for consumers.

Design/Simulation

Haydale graphene contributes to stronger, lighter sea kayaks

Bespoke mechanical graphene masterbatch was effectively used in a resin infusion process to increase the strength, stiffness and breakage resistance of Norse Kayaks’ products.

Glass Fibers

Isoco, V Frames, Lehvoss introduce recycled, biopolymer composites to bike frames

Bio-based, performance-optimized composite materials promote more lightweight, stiff and impact resistant E-bike frames and components.
#sustainability

Consumer

Arris Composites wins 2023 BIG Innovation Award

The composites manufacturer is recognized for the third year in a row, spotlighting next-gen carbon fiber plates for running shoes.

Consumer

Babyark launches smart, composites-intensive car seat

Impact-absorbing car seat approaches safety holistically with carbon fiber and D3O materials and embedded sensors for real-time monitoring.
#automation

Carbon Fibers

We Are One announces new Convergence carbon fiber rims, wheels

Boston Materials ZRT composite films are featured in the twisted-shape bicycle rim, enhancing strength, durability and light weight.

Consumer |

Composites end markets: Electronics (2023)

Increasingly, prototype and production-ready smart devices featuring thermoplastic composite cases and other components provide lightweight, optimized sustainable alternatives to metal.
#sustainability #composites-market-outlook #feature

Hannah Mason Technical Editor, CompositesWorld

NEW PRODUCTS: CONSUMER

Carbon Fibers

Deckers Innovation Lab combines fast, casual comfort with composite footwear

The KO-Z Sport Low Wool Carbon footwear features an Xponent midsole with carbon fiber plate layered between upcycled EVA foam for a “fast-casual” shoe selection.

Consumer

Cycle Inspect introduces damage, risk assessment service to the composite bicycle industry

Australian startup seeks to bridge the disparity gap between carbon fiber bike ownership and specialists trained to inspect them via an ultrasonic non-destructive testing (NDT) and visual inspections procedure.

Prepregs

CAMX 2022 exhibit preview: Toray

The Toray Group’s specialized product portfolio includes the Torayca carbon fiber and advanced thermoplastic and thermoset composites materials used in a variety of aerospace, defense, industrial and automotive applications.
#wingoftomorrow #space #camx