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NTPT launches a new composite tube manufacturing process
APPLICATIONS
Reinforced Plastics Volume 61, Number 1 January/February 2017
NTPT launches a new composite tube manufacturing process
APPLICATIONS
North Thin Ply Technology (NTPT) has developed a patent pending tube winding process to make composite tubes that can be used to make carbon golf shafts. The shafts have been launched under the brand name TPT Golf and have been successfully used by professional golfer Lydia Ko to win her silver medal at the Rio 2016 Olympics. The shafts are manufactured using NTPT’s Thin Ply Technology lightweight prepreg plies in combination with the new manufacturing process. The result is a centered and near homogenous shaft giving golfers greater stability during their swing and a better feeling impact that imparts lower spin to the ball – resulting in higher yardage and a lower shot dispersion, the company says. The micro-structure of a thin ply laminate results in higher mechanical
The patent pending tube winding process forms composite tubes that can be used to make carbon golf shafts.
properties. Within a golf shaft, or any other tubular product, the use of thinner plies offers more options for fiber angles and fiber type combinations. NTPT’s novel process makes it possible for each of the carbon plies to be laid concentrically, resulting in a symmetrical shaft (or tube) with no spine. The process also enables more control over the ratio of longitudinal plies to off axis plies along the length of the shaft. The resulting uniformity of wall thickness and control of fiber alignment provides a smoothly changing flex profile. According to the company, the technology is also suitable in the production of automotive drive shafts, aircraft struts, windsurf masts, as well as other sports equipment shafts and frames. NTPT; www.thinplytechnology.com
VELOX and AEC to develop marine adhesives VELOX GmbH, a European distributor of speciality materials for the plastics, composites, additives and paints and coatings industries, is working with AEC Polymers to develop new solutions for the marine sector. VELOX distributes industrial adhesives in Europe, including the SAF range of structural adhesives. Recently, VELOX and AEC Polymers enabled the construction of FeliX, a recently launched catamaran. This new ship is designed to conduct oceanographic and hydrographic missions. The total construction process took only 11 months as a result of the internal knowledge and resources of all parties. ‘We are proud to offer the SAF range as the solutions demonstrate excellent resistance and durability in harsh conditions whilst being safe for users and the environment,’ said Pascal Dubois, advanced composites business development manager at VELOX. ‘Through its very high mechanical properties and high elongation
VELOX and AEC Polymers enabled the construction of FeliX, a recently-launched catamaran.
at break, the use of SAF30 LOT (Long Open Time), can significantly improve productivity in workshops by reducing
labour costs and avoiding local laminating processes.’ VELOX GmbH; www.velox.com
The ultralight aircraft has now been awarded the 2016 Red Dot best of the best prize for product design.
The BlackWing is reportedly the first aircraft in its class capable of speeds up to 400 km/h with a cruise speed of 270 km/ h. The wing design reduces interference
Award for composite aircraft Swedish aerospace developer and manufacturer Blackwing has developed a composite sport aircraft built using Diab’s Divinycell matrix materials.
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Reinforced Plastics Volume 61, Number 1 January/February 2017
NTPT launches a new composite tube manufacturing process
APPLICATIONS
North Thin Ply Technology (NTPT) has developed a patent pending tube winding process to make composite tubes that can be used to make carbon golf shafts. The shafts have been launched under the brand name TPT Golf and have been successfully used by professional golfer Lydia Ko to win her silver medal at the Rio 2016 Olympics. The shafts are manufactured using NTPT’s Thin Ply Technology lightweight prepreg plies in combination with the new manufacturing process. The result is a centered and near homogenous shaft giving golfers greater stability during their swing and a better feeling impact that imparts lower spin to the ball – resulting in higher yardage and a lower shot dispersion, the company says. The micro-structure of a thin ply laminate results in higher mechanical
The patent pending tube winding process forms composite tubes that can be used to make carbon golf shafts.
properties. Within a golf shaft, or any other tubular product, the use of thinner plies offers more options for fiber angles and fiber type combinations. NTPT’s novel process makes it possible for each of the carbon plies to be laid concentrically, resulting in a symmetrical shaft (or tube) with no spine. The process also enables more control over the ratio of longitudinal plies to off axis plies along the length of the shaft. The resulting uniformity of wall thickness and control of fiber alignment provides a smoothly changing flex profile. According to the company, the technology is also suitable in the production of automotive drive shafts, aircraft struts, windsurf masts, as well as other sports equipment shafts and frames. NTPT; www.thinplytechnology.com
VELOX and AEC to develop marine adhesives VELOX GmbH, a European distributor of speciality materials for the plastics, composites, additives and paints and coatings industries, is working with AEC Polymers to develop new solutions for the marine sector. VELOX distributes industrial adhesives in Europe, including the SAF range of structural adhesives. Recently, VELOX and AEC Polymers enabled the construction of FeliX, a recently launched catamaran. This new ship is designed to conduct oceanographic and hydrographic missions. The total construction process took only 11 months as a result of the internal knowledge and resources of all parties. ‘We are proud to offer the SAF range as the solutions demonstrate excellent resistance and durability in harsh conditions whilst being safe for users and the environment,’ said Pascal Dubois, advanced composites business development manager at VELOX. ‘Through its very high mechanical properties and high elongation
VELOX and AEC Polymers enabled the construction of FeliX, a recently-launched catamaran.
at break, the use of SAF30 LOT (Long Open Time), can significantly improve productivity in workshops by reducing
labour costs and avoiding local laminating processes.’ VELOX GmbH; www.velox.com
The ultralight aircraft has now been awarded the 2016 Red Dot best of the best prize for product design.
The BlackWing is reportedly the first aircraft in its class capable of speeds up to 400 km/h with a cruise speed of 270 km/ h. The wing design reduces interference
Award for composite aircraft Swedish aerospace developer and manufacturer Blackwing has developed a composite sport aircraft built using Diab’s Divinycell matrix materials.
6