EPI EN CARBON FIBER FURNITURE Archivi

COMPOSITE MATERIALS: BENEFITS AND INNOVATIONS

18 Luglio 2018

The use of COMPOSITE MATERIALS in the industrial and non-industrial fields has assumed considerable importance over the last few decades. In some sectors they are completely replacing metal, plastic and wood materials, thanks to their very high physical-mechanical properties that allow structural applications in various fields.
The latest generation composites provide for the application of natural fibers and bio matrices, to be more and more eco-compatible.

COMPOSITE MATERIALS: WHAT THEY ARE AND HOW THEY CAN BE USED.

COMPOSITE MATERIALS are materials consisting of a binding matrix and a reinforcement. They are in fact obtained by the close cohesion of at least two components, whose physical and chemical characteristics are such as to make them different and mutually insoluble and therefore separate from one another. These elements are called, fiber (or reinforcement fabric) and matrix.

The matrix is the “glue” that holds the reinforcement together and protects it from the effects of the environment, also allowing to distribute the external loads inside the material and in the reinforcement. Reinforcement is a generic term for fibers, flakes or particles dispersed within the matrix.
Composite materials enable the construction of lightweight, resistant and energy-efficient structures that can be used in a wide variety of applications. In general they are used when it is required the containment of the masses of a structure or, while maintaining a high structural integrity, as well as the possibility of realizing very integrated and small dimensions. The lightness of the composites and the possibility of creating complex aerodynamic shapes allows a saving in weight and size, not obtainable with other existing technologies.

This is why the use of composite materials continues to grow in many applications.
The aeronautical and aerospace sectors represent reference sectors and are at the forefront of the use of composite materials. In the automotive industry they are mainly used to increase energy efficiency.
In some fields composites have already almost entirely replaced traditional materials, such as sports equipment for racing and wind turbines. The nautical industry also uses ever more quantities of composite materials.
More and more frequent are the less “conventional” applications, related to common sectors such as design, luggage and even accessories and item for the table!

MANUFATURING PROCESSES

The use of composite materials requires different technical and economic evaluations, in fact unlike metals or other traditional materials, they require the use of processes and methodologies, which even if applied on an industrial and production scale, have relevant time and cost of realization.
There are different methods for the production of composite materials.

One of the main ones, as well as that used in the aeronautical field, is the autoclave process, since it guarantees the best mechanical characteristics on the finished product.
This processing is usually used to treat carbon fibers or kevlar. First, the layers of fibers of the desired length are cut; subsequently these are stacked and glued. These blocks are then inserted into an autoclave, where they are subjected to temperature and pressure programs, at the end of which the hardened laminate is obtained. In this process it is very common to use prepreg (resin impregnated fibers), which guarantee structural homogeneity to the composite.

TYPES OF COMPOSITE MATERIALS
There are many types of composite materials. The first distinction divides the fibers and the matrices into two macro areas, according to whether these are natural or synthetic.
The most famous types of synthetic fibers are certainly the CARBON FIBER, the ARAMID FIBER (KEVLAR) and the GLASS FIBER .

Alongside to these, there are the synthetic matrices: THERMO-DURING POLYMERS, EPOXY / POLYESTER, THERMOPLASTIC POLYMERS, POLYETHYLENE
Since the first products in carbon and thermosetting resin appeared for the first time on the civil market, science has made progress in the world of composites; today, other types of materials are available with alternative technical and functional characteristics compared to traditional composites.
Particularly interesting is the impregnation of natural fibers with thermoplastic resins of bio derivation that allows to obtain natural products ecofriendly very requested by the current market
The natural composites, that is constituted by at least one element of natural derivation, are currently of particular importance. Today, in fact, alternative sources are available; this is the case, for example, of so-called “green” reinforcements, such as hemp, linen or bamboo fibers.

BENEFITS
The use of composite materials allows to create products with characteristics previously impossible or simply give new life to a mature product.
The benefits deriving from their application are numerous, including:

MECHANICAL RESISTANCE
CHEMICAL RESISTANCE
SHAPE STABILITY
LIGHTNESS
VERSATILITY IN THE REALIZATION OF GEOMETRIES
ELASTICITY
LONG LIFE TIME

In addition to structural efficiency, composite materials can also be more intelligent, more functional and versatile than traditional ones. The combination of new features in composites is considerably easier than metals and the only obstacle is the boundaries of imagination.
Composite materials will make tomorrow’s world an increasingly functional place to live!

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NEW MATERIALS AND PRODUCTION PROCESSES FOR INDUSTRIAL DESIGN – MAY 17th 2018 – POLITECNICO BARI

5 Giugno 2018

For the cycle of meetings “Le imprese guidate dalle idee“, the conference “NEW MATERIALS AND PRODUCTION PROCESSES FOR INDUSTRIAL DESIGN“, promoted by ADI and Politecnico di Bari, was held last May 17th by some members of the EPI team, production and marketing specialists.

The lecture ( NEW MATERIALS AND PRODUCTION PROCESSES FOR INDUSTRIAL DESIGN ) which is part of a series of meetings promoted by ADI Puglia and Basilicata in the territory of competence, was held at the Politecnico of Bari, DICAR department, coordinated by Professor Rosanna Carullo and saw a large participation by students in the courses of design, architecture and engineering.
In addition to Professor Carullo, coordinator of the degree course in Industrial Design at the Politecnico of Bari, who introduced the meeting, spoke Antonio Labalestra, professor of history of design at the same university, who described the historical context of innovation, Giacomo Ventolone, EPI Marketing Specialist, describing the theme of Design and marketing as an economic lever in companies, and Tonino Rossetti, EPI Production Area, who was entrusted with the specific theme of the meeting: NEW MATERIALS AND PRODUCTION PROCESSES FOR INDUSTRIAL DESIGN.
The event led by Roberto Marcatti, president of ADI Puglia and Basilicata, starts from the awareness that design innovation is based on the availability of new materials and new production processes, and it is necessary that marketing be integrated in this process to understand the direction in which to direct communication and distribution of new products.

In the furniture-design sector, the use of composite materials aims to lighten the finished product, at the same time improving its mechanical and aesthetic characteristics, as well as giving it a distinctive design. A lightness that translates into greater ease of use and handling both in the warehouse and at home.

EPI, a company specialized in the processing of carbon fiber, designs and manufactures composite components for various industrial sectors. EPI has recently collaborated with several companies in the furniture industry, for the design and construction of components and structural parts, made of carbon fiber. Aerospace-derived technology blends with craftsmanship and design giving life to unique objects, which bring a still little-known material, such as carbon fiber, into everyday life!

The audience of students, and not only, showed a strong interest and participation.
The meeting “NEW MATERIALS AND PRODUCTION PROCESSES FOR INDUSTRIAL DESIGN” has highlighted numerous possibilities for collaboration which, precisely on the study of materials and processing processes, finds a convergence between the fields of the engineering sciences and design, sectors that already collaborate within the course of studies in industrial design.

This is also highlighted by Professor Carullo in her commentary on the event: “The meeting organized by the ADI with the collaboration of the course in Industrial Design at the Politecnico of Bari was an opportunity for a comparison between universities and production excellences of our Region. There are numerous topics of in-depth analysis, first of all the use of innovative materials on one side experimented on traditional product types, on the other hand to be continually tested in their multiple application possibilities, in search of their own aesthetical language.From this point of view, the importance of dialogue between the disciplines of design and of design history and engineering disciplines has emerged, a dialogue that the course of study constantly fosters also at an educational level and which can be found in the relationship with the companies of the territory its best field of experimentation, in a virtuous circle between research, teaching and innovative companies that the Adi in recent years constantly promotes “.

The valuable work of the ADI emerges from these words, whose purpose is putting in synergy more actors and more skills through this type of event and “mapping the territory covered by each delegation looking for companies and professionals with to speak the same language: project, research, innovation, technology, sustainability, alternative production systems, etc. “, as Roberto Marcatti claims.
The president then goes on to say “It is a personal satisfaction and of all the members of the Delegation’s Board to see that everything can and must be done so that different worlds can talk and start working together on new projects and new strategies; the dialogue between the different skills and disciplines of design, including that of social design is top-flight. I am sure that other companies and academic institutions will also be able to collaborate with us, that have matured ,as an Association, in 60 years since our establishment ,an experience and a role of great importance representing the entire Made in Italy chain “.

TECHNOLOGY HUB 2018 – MILAN 17th/19th MAY – FIERA MILANO CITY

18 Maggio 2018

EPI CARBON FIBER MANUFACTURING PRESENTS AT TECHNOLOGY HUB 2018 THE CONFERENCE “FROM MECHANICS TO COMPOSITES: THE ILATRO PROJECT”.

These days in Milan Technology Hub 2018 is held, the professional event that proposes new technologies for the business in an environment of integration and contamination of skills, to extend the fields of application of products and services. .
An event dedicated to all the new technological trends and related business methods, to meet the growing information needs of companies and to contribute to the innovation of the production system.

Technology Hub 2018 is 360 ° fair that guarantees business relations with professionals from different sectors . A moment of networking and interaction with the digital transformation workers of all the production sectors.
At the MiCo fieramilanocity, visitors can take part in a rich program of conferences, technical speeches and workshops dedicated to emerging technologies.
The exhibition area in fact will be combined with numerous demonstration areas and technical presentations to engage exhibitors and visitors dynamically.

The range of topics covered by conferences and workshops is really wide and covers all the themes of innovation, from drones to Bitcoin, through robots in the medical field, from virtual reality to innovative materials.

Just this last topic sees protagonist Epi-Carbon Fiber Manufacturing, which thanks to the historical collaboration with CETMA of Brindisi, takes part at Technology Hub 2018 to hold a conference dedicated to research and innovation of materials.
“From mechanics to composites: Ilatro project” is the title of the presentation that traces the history of the company, telling the diversification process that has been underway for some years and which sees the transition from mechanical activity, specialized in carpentry and industrial plant engineering , to the processing of composite materials, reaching the creation of its own brand for the production and selling of luggage items.

The history of EPI began in 1997, the year of its foundation, as a firm specialized in consulting and construction of industrial plants and in the field of heavy metal structural work, strong of decades of previous experience of the founder in this sector.

The skills acquired over the years and the proximity both to research centers on COMPOSITE MATERIALS and to the aeronautical district have pushed the company to invest in research and development on these innovative materials, primarily the CARBON FIBER.

Today the EPI is divided into two business branches:

Technical services and industrial carpentry
Composite materials manufactory

A few years ago the EPI started its journey with COMPOSITE MATERIALS, studying its possible applications and production processes, in collaboration with CETMA, both in terms of production processes and product engineering.

The next step was the creation of a new company division dedicated to the manufacture of carbon fiber components, set up with self-construction autoclaves.
Thanks to the skills developed by EPI and the studies of the production processes used in the aeronautical field, the ILATRO project was born in 2015.
Also in the luggage sector in recent years the search for new materials is one of the main themes in terms of innovation; the carbon fiber, thanks to its versatility, high performance in terms of resistance-weight and aesthetic value, is a revolutionary and totally innovative element.

Based on this, ILATRO offers hand-made luggage items with the most advanced technologies in the field of composite materials, combining the incredible properties of CARBON FIBER with MADE IN ITALY design and style.
ILATRO suitcases, with a very low weight, allow to travel with ease and lightness, but at the same time guaranteeing strength and quality.

The ILATRO collection, made up of 3 models, is addressed to a demanding and innovative traveler, who seeks maximum functionality in his luggage, without sacrificing quality and design.

In addition to ILATRO brand, EPI carries on the parallel activity of composite materials, addressing different market sectors as partners in the development of innovative components and objects characterized by the integration of composite materials to improve the performance of the finished product.

The main sectors of reference are in addition to the suitcases, for professional and personal use, equitation – and in general sports that require equipment with high technological content- and the furniture-design sector, where the composite materials gives a constructive and aesthetic contribute .

The constant research and experimentation that guides the company and the great versatility of carbon fiber allow the team to study and experiment with solutions for ever more diverse applications and industrial areas, totally customized according to customer needs.

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CARBON LEAF: THE INNOVATIVE CARBON FIBER ARMCHAIR!

20 Aprile 2018

Carbon Leaf, the revolutionary carbon fiber armchair, manufactured by EPI for DELTA SALOTTI, was presented in recent days at Salone del Mobile di Milano 2018. Aerospace technology and avant-garde design meet for give birth to a unique object that seems to float in the air!

Carbon fiber and furniture, two worlds apparently so far apart, intertwine in the name of innovation and technology. Two Apulian company, united by the desire to renew themselves and by the curiosity towards the materials of the future.

On the one hand, EPI, a company based in Brindisi, specialized in the design and production of carbon fiber components and composite materials for various sectors; on the other hand DELTA SALOTTI, located in the heart of the Murgia district of the upholstered furniture, Santeramo in Colle, which produces quality seats and sofas, able to challenge time and fashions.

Common keyword: MADE IN ITALY!

From the meeting between two highly innovative companies, attentive to design and quality made in Italy, Carbon Leaf is born, a seat that breaks the classic patterns furniture sector and brings a material still unknown, such as carbon fiber, in daily life!

Carbon Leaf carbon fiber armchair, made by EPI for DELTA SALOTTI, has been designed to obtain high lightness, solidity and aesthetic balance thanks to the use of a 5 mm thick carbon fiber sheet, highly resistant to the various stresses .

The result is a unique object that seems to float in the air and which supports the wide cushions made with ecological waterlily padding.

In addition to its aesthetic features and distinctive design, the aim of this project is to lighten the product while improving its mechanical and aesthetic characteristics.

A lightness that translates into greater ease of use and handling both in the warehouse and at home.

: CARBON FIBER ARMCHAIR

The technology used for this project comes from research in the aerospace field that EPI has been conducting for years in collaboration with specialized research centers, studying the application of composite materials to commonly used objects but with high performance.

CARBON FIBER is distringuished both by its excellent mechanical properties, such as the strength-to-weight ratio and its aesthetics. Applied to furniture-design, this material with exceptional performance, allows you to renew existing products or create new ones, with unique features!

The manufacturing process of Carbon Leaf carbon fiber chair, starts from a careful stylistic and engineering research developed by the two companies, to better combine the aesthetic requirements with the technical feasibility of the project.

The processing of the carbon fiber structure takes place through a manual lamination process, combined with the use of industrial autoclaves; this aeronautical technology ensures the highest quality standards and a great mechanical resistance.

The carbon fiber armchair is completed by the highest quality lining and the great craftsmanship experience, which has always been the pillars of DELTA SALOTTI.

State-of-the-art technology and craftsmanship come together and act as a link between the two companies, which find a fundamental common ground in the quality of materials and made in Italy manufacturing, giving an excellent example of cooperation between two companies highly specialized in their field , but with the will to open up to new production challenges!

HAPPY EASTER

30 Marzo 2018

HAPPY EASTER

EPI – Carbon Fiber Manufacturing wishes you a peaceful and happy Easter.

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COMPOSITE MATERIALS REVOLUTION: CARBON FIBER ITEMS YOU’D NEVER THOUGHT OF!

13 Marzo 2018

Carbon fiber items no longer concern only the most technical sectors, but more and more frequently we find them also in “everyday” products. In fact, thanks to their exceptional features, composite materials are well suited to be used in the most different industrial sectors.

When we talk about carbon fiber, planes are the first thing we think about.

In fact this material is widely used in the aerospace industry thanks to its high resistance opposed to low weight, which give exceptional mechanical performance. However, its use does not stop at high-tech sectors, such as aeronautics or automotive. In recent years, carbon fiber items are increasing their popularity in everyday life.

For fans of technology and innovation, having at home carbon fiber objects is a must. Not only for the technical benefits, but above all for the exclusive aesthetic value.

The unique carbon look finish will be difficult to replicate with other materials; adding to this the almost indestructibility of the object, then it is easy to understand the appeal that such pieces can have towards a demanding consumer.

Which are the possible application fields of carbon fiber? Basically all!

Carbon fiber is suitable to realize every kind of objects, from sport equipment to bags; from table stuff to bathroom accessories.

One of the weird thing , for example, is the carbon fiber helmet “STORMTROOPER“, produced as a exclusive gadget for fans of Star Wars, in occasion of VIIth episode.

Total black lovers – even in the toilette – can’t do without a beautiful bathtub or WC made out of carbon fiber.

Even at the table carbon fiber is appropriate to amaze friends for dinner. Whether they are sushi chopsticks, coasters, or ceramic-carbon craft containers, the surprise effect is guaranteed.

Sport sector, as well, has been touched by this revolution. Carbon fiber is used in the most technical sports equipment to increase performance.

One example is horse riding saddles. The most innovative producers are progressively replacing the traditional wooden saddle tree ( the inner rigid part) with a carbon one, gaining lots of benefits in terms of resistance, elasticity and moldability.

And to never give up the exclusivity of carbon fiber, why not take it with you even while traveling?

Polycarbonate and ABS are no longer enough. The suitcases of the future will be made out of carbon fiber . Ultra lightweight but very resistant to shocks and stresses, very common especially when traveling by plane.

And still , eyeglasses, business cards, money clips, bags, walking sticks, watches. The list could run endlessly, demonstrating how this incredible material fits perfectly with every use.

EPI team is riding this trend, aware of evolution of technologies and materials, but at the same time with strong technical skills and a long experience in innovative production plants. Our company produces carbon fiber items and composite materials components.

From horse-riding saddles to luggage, passing trough furniture-design sector, our technical office studies and tests constantly new solutions for different sectors, customizing them on clients’ needs.

www.epigroup.eu

HAPPY NEW YEAR

4 Gennaio 2018

EPI‘s team wishes you Happy New Year!

2018 will be full of news and events.

Keep on follow us through our social networks ( Facebook – Twitter – Linkedin ) to find out the innovations about carbon fiber and composite materials world.

CARBON FIBER AND CERAMICS : INNOVATION AND TRADITION MEETS AT THE TABLE!

14 Dicembre 2017

Carbon fiber and ceramic, two apparently very distant materials, but united by craftsmanship and manual dexterity, meet each other, giving life to unique objects.

This is how “JIID” and “JIED” TOTEM FOR THE TABLE were born.

The project, presented at ULTRACERAMICA People and objects of the future – in the framework of ARKEDA (Exhibition of architecture, construction, design and furniture) held in Naples, from 1 to 3 December 2017 – shows the collaboration between two Apulian companies, belonging to totally different sectors but both with a strong handicraft feature, from an idea of the architects Michele Sallustio and Arianna Vivenzio.

OBJECTS

“JIID” and “JIED” in the Apulian slang mean Him and Her. They are furnishing accessories for the table, anthropomorphic objects with the function of containing, supporting and enhancing food. Four ceramic shapes, processed and glazed by hand, intersect with carbon elements.

Carbon fiber and ceramic embrace each other giving the two creations resistance and poetics!

ULTRACERAMICA – People and objects of the future!

Ultraceramica project was born from an initiative of ADI ( Association for industrial design) Campania delegation, in collaboration with the delegations of Puglia-Basilicata and Sicily.

According to the original vision of ADI, design represents a system that connects production with users, integrating research, innovation and technique, to give functionality, social value and cultural meaning to the goods distributed on the market.

The Collection includes the prototyping of furnishing accessories, mainly intended for the table, furniture and the person, characterized by the dominant use of ceramics in its various forms and technologies.

THE PLAYERS

GiùInLab is a self-production laboratory of ceramics, architecture and design born in Monopoli in 2012 from a project by Anna Dibello and Giambattista Giannoccaro, specialized in the creation of objects that interpret landscapes, traditions, shapes and colors of the Apulian territory.

Epi is company based in Brindisi, born in the field of metal carpentry and industrial plants, and subsequently specialized in the processing of composite materials and carbon fiber, designing and manufacturing components and objects for various sectors, characterized by high mechanical performance, resistance and extreme lightness.

From an idea of the architects Michele Sallustio and Arianna Vivenzio, carbon fiber and ceramics meet and blend together , giving life to hybrid creations that combine new technologies and tradition, strength and refinement.

: The prototype

: Carbon fiber and ceramics intersect and melt each other

: One of the sketch of the project

CARBON FIBER FURNITURE : TECHNOLOGY MEETS DESIGN!

14 Dicembre 2017

Furniture-design is a sector that constantly evolving and always open to experimentation of new materials. One of the latest trend is the creation of carbon fiber furniture, an innovative material which well suits as aesthetic and structural component in high-end design items.

This material, still unknown to the genral pubblic, until few years ago was applied almost exclusively in high-tech sectors, like the aerospace and automotive, expanding afterwards to the construction.

Less frequet, but more and more widespread, is its use in furniture and design.

At salone del mobile 2015 in Milan, carbon fiber furniture was one of the major innovations introduced and an increasing number of international designers are approching this material, as well as the leader companies employ it to innovate existing products or to launch new forniture solutions.

Carbon fiber is an higly performing material, with mechanical properties even higher than steel, which permit to obtain very resistant structures, able to support extreme stresses.

This combines with its great lightness and ductility, that allow to realize forms never experienced, with a unic visual effect.

Even us of EPI are testing the design and creation of carbon fiber furniture.

Our technical office is able to offer customer consultancy starting from analyzing the existing problems in a product and then studying new and sustainable ad hoc solutions.

Carbon fiber furniture, and more generally the uso of composite materials in design , brings a lot of benefits:

high customization
elegant and original finishes
maximum lightness
high resistance to stresses, chemical and atmospheric agents

This features are well suited to the construction of tables, chairs, lighting object, outdoor furniture, and everything in which innovation, technology and creativity are key elements to realize unic items.

For more information about our carbon fiber furniture components and composite materials manufacturing please write us or visit our web site:

info@epigroup.eu –

Tag: CARBON FIBER FURNITURE

EPI CARBON FIBER MANUFACTURING PRESENTS AT TECHNOLOGY HUB 2018 THE CONFERENCE “FROM MECHANICS TO COMPOSITES: THE ILATRO PROJECT”.

Carbon Leaf, the revolutionary carbon fiber armchair, manufactured by EPI for DELTA SALOTTI, was presented in recent days at Salone del Mobile di Milano 2018. Aerospace technology and avant-garde design meet for give birth to a unique object that seems to float in the air!

Carbon fiber items no longer concern only the most technical sectors, but more and more frequently we find them also in “everyday” products. In fact, thanks to their exceptional features, composite materials are well suited to be used in the most different industrial sectors.