Tag: carbon fiber stuff

composite materials

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.

composite materials
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.

composite materials - autoclave
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 .

composite materials
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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CARBON FIBER ARMCHAIR CARBON LEAF

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.

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!

 

 

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