The Composites Showcase https://www.compositestoday.com/category/showcase/ Latest news and information from the composites industry Tue, 14 Jul 2020 08:16:42 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.3 https://i0.wp.com/www.compositestoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/cropped-img-site-ident-1.png?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1 The Composites Showcase https://www.compositestoday.com/category/showcase/ 32 32 22188208 Superstrata Unveils ‘world’s first’ 3D-printed Unibody Carbon Fibre Bike https://www.compositestoday.com/2020/07/superstrata-unibody-carbon-fibre-bike/ Tue, 14 Jul 2020 08:16:41 +0000 https://www.compositestoday.com/?p=15976 Silicon Valley-based company Arevo has unveiled the Superstrata which it claims has the “world’s first 3D-printed unibody electric bike frame”. The company has announced two models, the Superstrata Terra is a lightweight analogue bike, and the Superstrata Ion is a Class 1 e-bike with a 250W rear hub motor, a 252Wh battery, and an estimated range of 60 miles. The bike’s unibody frame is made by 3D-printing one single continuous piece of carbon-fibre thermoplastic, which the company says is stronger than any […]

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Silicon Valley-based company Arevo has unveiled the Superstrata which it claims has the “world’s first 3D-printed unibody electric bike frame”. The company has announced two models, the Superstrata Terra is a lightweight analogue bike, and the Superstrata Ion is a Class 1 e-bike with a 250W rear hub motor, a 252Wh battery, and an estimated range of 60 miles.

Image: Superstrata

The bike’s unibody frame is made by 3D-printing one single continuous piece of carbon-fibre thermoplastic, which the company says is stronger than any traditional carbon fibre frame on the market today. The use of thermoplastic materials not only make the bikes stronger and more impact resistant but also lightweight with the Superstrata Terra weighing in at just 1.27 kgs while the e-bike Ion version weighs 10.98 kgs, depending on size.

Image: Superstrata

While 3D printing can be a more costly process, Superstrata says it makes for a more bespoke design and will appeal to people willing to pay extra for a custom fit. Customers can send in their measurements, and Superstrata will 3D-print the bike down to the spokes. Each frame takes about 10 hours to create, and the company claims it can create up to 250,000 unique combinations.

Image: Superstrata

The bikes are available for pre-order on Indegogo and are scheduled to ship in Q1 and Q2 of 2021 with special early bird pricing starting at $1,299 for the Terra and $1,799 for the Ion.

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Jetman Achieves World First with Carbon Fibre Jetpack https://www.compositestoday.com/2020/02/jetman-dubai-world-first-carbon-fibre-jetpack/ Fri, 21 Feb 2020 10:22:11 +0000 https://www.compositestoday.com/?p=15593 Jetman pilot Vince Reffet successfully launched into the air from the runway of Skydive Dubai and flew up to 5,900 feet. Reffet was equipped with a carbon fibre wing powered by four mini jet engines. Controlled by the human body, the equipment enables the Jetman to reach speeds of 250mph, as well as hovering, changing direction and performing loops. After becoming airborne, Reffet hovered five metres above the waters of the Arabian Gulf for 100 seconds. Having demonstrated his full […]

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Jetman pilot Vince Reffet successfully launched into the air from the runway of Skydive Dubai and flew up to 5,900 feet.

Reffet was equipped with a carbon fibre wing powered by four mini jet engines. Controlled by the human body, the equipment enables the Jetman to reach speeds of 250mph, as well as hovering, changing direction and performing loops.

After becoming airborne, Reffet hovered five metres above the waters of the Arabian Gulf for 100 seconds. Having demonstrated his full control of the flight by performing stops, turns and backward moves, he landed smoothly back onto the Skydive Dubai runway. 

Reffet then took off again and headed south towards Jumeirah Beach Residence, building speed and height. Travelling at an average speed of 149mph, he climbed 330 feet in the air in eight seconds, 660 feet in 12 seconds, 1,640 feet in 19 seconds and 3,300 feet in 30 seconds. 

At the end of his three-minute flight, Reffet performed a roll and a loop at 5,900 feet, before opening his parachute and landing back at Skydive Dubai. 

Previously, Jetmen have launched into the air by leaping downwards off elevated platforms such as a helicopter in flight. This is the first time that a Jetman pilot has combined hovering safely at a low altitude and flying aerobatics at a high altitude in the same flight.

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UK Architecture Firm Unveils Huge Carbon Fibre Entry Portals https://www.compositestoday.com/2020/02/uk-architecture-firm-unveils-hugh-carbon-fibre-entry-portals/ Tue, 11 Feb 2020 09:18:03 +0000 https://www.compositestoday.com/?p=15492 British architecture studio Asif Khan has unveiled the 3 huge entrance portals to the Dubai Expo 2020, woven from carbon fibre to create a 21-metre-high Mashrabiya-style lattice. The 30-metre long portals are positioned at the entrance to each of the three Thematic Districts, Opportunity, Mobility and Sustainability where visitors will enter through one of the 21-metre-high gateways and walk between two screen walls underneath a latticed canopy. Inspired by Arabic Mashrabiya architecture, the portals comprise a structure that is at […]

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British architecture studio Asif Khan has unveiled the 3 huge entrance portals to the Dubai Expo 2020, woven from carbon fibre to create a 21-metre-high Mashrabiya-style lattice.

The 30-metre long portals are positioned at the entrance to each of the three Thematic Districts, Opportunity, Mobility and Sustainability where visitors will enter through one of the 21-metre-high gateways and walk between two screen walls underneath a latticed canopy.

Inspired by Arabic Mashrabiya architecture, the portals comprise a structure that is at once a series of two-dimensional planes as well as a three-dimensional geometric configuration – resembling the Expo 2020 logo when viewed from the correct angle. The transcendental play on light, shadow and space is meant to convey to visitors that the world within the Expo gates is entirely different to that outside.

The portals are the first thing you see as you approach the site, so they are a landmark at the beginning and end of your journey at Expo 2020. I would like visitors to Expo, especially children, to be inspired by architecture they have never seen before, and to be excited that it is part of the heritage of the region. Passing through the doors represents a physical and symbolic act of moving from the past into the future.

Asif Khan

The portals were created using high-grade carbon fibre and resin which was then wrapped around a rotating arm that doubled as formwork in the 3D printing process. These columns of carbon fibre were then craned in and fixed into position. The carbon fibre lattice was designed to be as thin as possible while also retaining the structural strength.

Dubai Expo 2020 will open its carbon fibre doors on the 20th of October and will showcase architects and designers from around the world.

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Bugatti Unveils New Limited Edition Exposed Carbon Fibre Chiron Noire https://www.compositestoday.com/2019/12/bugatti-unveils-new-limited-edition-exposed-carbon-fibre-chiron-noire/ Thu, 05 Dec 2019 08:23:43 +0000 https://www.compositestoday.com/?p=14970 The Noire Sportive and Noire Élégance are limited to just 20 units each are both dripping in the black stuff and draw influence from the company’s one-off “La Voiture Noire” the black car created by Jean Bugatti and built between 1936 and 1938. The black car disappeared at the beginning of the Second World War. If it were ever to be found, it would probably be the most expensive car in the world. The Chiron Noire Élégance sports an exposed […]

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The Noire Sportive and Noire Élégance are limited to just 20 units each are both dripping in the black stuff and draw influence from the company’s one-off “La Voiture Noire” the black car created by Jean Bugatti and built between 1936 and 1938. The black car disappeared at the beginning of the Second World War. If it were ever to be found, it would probably be the most expensive car in the world.

The Chiron Noire Élégance sports an exposed carbon fibre body with a new grill design that houses a solid silver and black Bugatti emblem. New brake callipers finished in black are installed behind Caractère wheels. Other exterior accentuations such as the rear-view mirror and engine cover are finished in black carbon and polished aluminium. The “Noire” inscription adorns the side panels in front of the rear wheel and the underside of the rear wing.

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The interior of the Noire Élégance is fitted out with a black finish with aluminium and silk-matte detailing along with an additional carbon fibre badge inset into the centre armrest.

In the “Chiron Noire Sportive”, Bugatti covers the exposed carbon fibre with a matt black finish. The exterior trim elements, the C-shaped Bugatti signature line, the wheels, front spoiler and radiator grille are all matt black. The four visible tailpipes of the titanium exhaust system are likewise finished in black, as are parts of the engine cover. The interior is even more dominated by black than in the “Chiron Noire Élégance”. The embroidered “Noire” inscriptions on the inlays of the centre console and the headrest are black, as are the aluminium trim parts in the interior. Meanwhile the inner C-line, switches, push-buttons and rotary knobs on the dashboard, steering wheel, centre console and door handles in matt black underline the car’s exclusive, sporty character.

The new cars are powered by Bugatti’s  8.0-litre 16-cylinder engine with 1,500 hp and 1,600 Newton metres of torque continues to serve as the power unit. The edition model, limited to 20 vehicles, will start shipping in Q2 of 2020 and prices will start at 3 million euros.

 

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Architect Combines Carbon Fibre with Bamboo to create building “material of the future” https://www.compositestoday.com/2019/09/architect-combines-carbon-fibre-with-bamboo-to-create-building-material-of-the-future/ Tue, 24 Sep 2019 12:11:10 +0000 https://www.compositestoday.com/?p=14682 Japanese architect Kuma, founder of Kengo Kuma & Associates created the installation Bamboo (竹) Ring, or ‘Take-wa 竹わ’, an experiment in the concept of weaving bamboo with carbon fibre and was showcased John Madjeski Garden in Knightsbridge. The installation was created by Kuma working in partnership with Ejiri Structural Engineers and the Kengo Kuma Laboratory and is an exploration of pliancy, precision, lightness and strength: by pulling two ends, it naturally de-forms and half of the woven structure is lifted […]

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Japanese architect Kuma, founder of Kengo Kuma & Associates created the installation Bamboo (竹) Ring, or ‘Take-wa 竹わ’, an experiment in the concept of weaving bamboo with carbon fibre and was showcased John Madjeski Garden in Knightsbridge.

The installation was created by Kuma working in partnership with Ejiri Structural Engineers and the Kengo Kuma Laboratory and is an exploration of pliancy, precision, lightness and strength: by pulling two ends, it naturally de-forms and half of the woven structure is lifted into the air.

Bamboo is a traditional building material in Japan and has been used for many years due to the materials linearity and flexibility, and as a symbol of strength and rapid growth.

This is new materiality that we can try to bring to the city. Both materials are very light, but wood is not resistant enough in an earthquake. By combining it with these carbon fibres we can create a new kind of strength. Kengo Kuma

The basic component of the structure is a 2m diametre ring made from Phyllostachys Edulis bamboo. By combining carbon fibre with this traditional material and laminating each ring, the resulting effect achieves a certain rigidity while maintaining the unique material properties and beauty of bamboo.

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The Mercedes-Benz Vision EQS https://www.compositestoday.com/2019/09/the-mercedes-benz-vision-eqs/ Thu, 12 Sep 2019 14:04:39 +0000 https://www.compositestoday.com/?p=14624 Mercedes showcases its vision for the future of its S-Class

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The big news from Mercedes at the Frankfurt Motor Show was that the S-Class is going electric and they revealed what that might look like, someday.

The first thing that hits you with the car is the number of bits that light up. The car has a total of 940 individual LED’s floating in three-dimensional space to make up the front grille and 229 for the backlight system which is integrated into the bodywork. Mercedes believes digital light technology allows the car to interact with different environments adding both style and safety.

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With motors at both the front and back axles, the batteries will kick out around 469bhp getting you to 60 in just under 4.5 seconds and has a top speed of 124mph. The vehicle’s body is based on a mix of steel, aluminium and carbon fibre composites along with sustainable recycled products.

In terms of distance on a full charge, Mercedes say the EQS will go up to 430 miles without needing a charging station and if you do need to stop it would take less than 20 minutes to recharge up to 80% of the cars juice.

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Mercedes say that the interior of the car is based on the “world of luxury yachts” The occupants sit in Crystal-white DINAMICA microfibre seats while the floor area and door centre panels are in bright white. The central touch screen display allows you to control the vehicle’s functions and the screens displayed on the driver’s and front passenger seats allow customisation of the driving experience using Mercedes me ID. 

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Rubato take centre stage with their new carbon fibre guitar https://www.compositestoday.com/2019/09/lightweight-carbon-fibre-guitar/ Mon, 09 Sep 2019 10:17:29 +0000 https://www.compositestoday.com/?p=14547 The company, founded by Father and son engineering team Roger and Oliver Lambson have created the Rubato Lassie a sleek carbon fibre guitar that weighs in at just 2.5kgs The body and neck of the guitar are integrated into a single monocoque, made from high-performance carbon fibre, and the impressive strength and rigidity of the material mean the guitar needs no truss rod, traditionally used to stabilise the forward curvature of the neck. The carbon fibre construction used means there […]

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The company, founded by Father and son engineering team Roger and Oliver Lambson have created the Rubato Lassie a sleek carbon fibre guitar that weighs in at just 2.5kgs

The body and neck of the guitar are integrated into a single monocoque, made from high-performance carbon fibre, and the impressive strength and rigidity of the material mean the guitar needs no truss rod, traditionally used to stabilise the forward curvature of the neck. The carbon fibre construction used means there will be virtual no bend in the neck, no warping and the conductive property of the material helps protect the electronics.

The guitar is available to purchase directly from the Rubato website with prices starting at $3,953.24

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Lamborghini unveil its Centenario Roadster https://www.compositestoday.com/2016/08/lamborghini-unveil-its-centenario-roadster/ Tue, 30 Aug 2016 09:38:16 +0000 http://www.compositestoday.com/?p=14127 Following the introduction of the Lamborghini Centenario coupé, the company has unveiled it’s latest one-off carbon fibre clad creation, the Centenario roadster.

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This special commemorative series has been created to honour the centenary of its founder, Ferruccio Lamborghini with the designers given a free hand to create an open and exciting design.

The body of the Centenario is made completely from carbon fibre composites. All the sections from the front bonnet, scissor door panels and open top roof line are super lightweight and are designed for aerodynamic superiority. Air flows through ducts within the front headlight casings and others in the side-skirts and around the wheel arches, improving airflow to the rear radiators and providing optimised cooling.

The car has a unique rear-wheel steering system which increases turning agility at low speeds and requires less steering angle. At high speeds the rear tyres will turn in the same direction as the steering angle which leads to a virtual increase in the wheelbase providing increased stability and optimises vehicle response.
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The Pirelli ‘pzero’ tyres have been specially developed for the rear-wheel steering system, sit on front/rear rims in forged and milled aluminium. The spokes’ fan shape, accented in carbon fibre, mask ducts extracting hot air from the carbon ceramic brakes, finished with a central-locking wheel nut sporting the Lamborghini shield.

Under the bonnet sits the most powerful engine ever made my Lamborghini. The naturally aspirated V12 engine will get you to 60 mph in under 2.9 seconds with a top speed of more than 215 mph.

As with the coupé version, the Centenario roadster will be limited to 20 units and will be delivered to their hand rubbing customers throughout 2017.

 

 

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McLaren Creates Limited Edition MSO Carbon Series https://www.compositestoday.com/2016/06/mclaren-creates-limited-edition-mso-carbon-series/ Tue, 14 Jun 2016 06:03:36 +0000 http://www.compositestoday.com/?p=13924 McLaren Special Operations, the bespoke division of McLaren Automotive, has announced the creation of the MSO Carbon Series LT.

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Strictly limited to 25, all already sold and based on the 675LT Spider, the Carbon Series LT has been produced in response to requests from McLaren customers that loved the visual carbon fibre McLaren P1 displayed recently at the International Geneva Motor Show.

Staying true to the ‘Longtail’ ethos, established by the McLaren F1 in the late 1990s, the MSO Carbon Series LT has been developed with a focus on light weight and features around 40% more carbon fibre parts over the standard car.

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As with the 675LT Spider, the front bumper with larger splitter and end plates, front under body, side skirts, side intakes, lower side intakes, rear bodyside lower, rear fenders, rear deck, rear bumper, diffuser and ‘Longtail’ Airbrake are all carbon fibre but with a gloss finish revealing the weave of the material. In addition, the MSO Carbon Series LT is fitted with a gloss finished carbon fibre electrically retractable roof and tonneau, A-pillars, bonnet and rear deck, side blades, complete front and rear wings, and even fuel filler flap.

Under the gloss carbon fibre skin sits a heavily revised 3.8 litre twin turbo V8 powertrain from its Coupé brother, which kicks out 666bhp getting you from 0–60 in under 2.9 seconds. The changes to the powertrain saw more than 50% of the components replaced to ensure optimised levels of power, torque and drivability. These include new, more efficient turbos, detail design changes to the cylinder heads and exhaust manifolds, new camshaft and lightweight connecting rods, and a faster-flowing fuel pump and delivery system.

Production of the MSO Carbon Series LT begins this autumn with first deliveries expected before the end of 2016.

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Gumball 3000 Team Creates Carbon Fibre Batmobile https://www.compositestoday.com/2016/05/gumball-3000-team-creates-carbon-fibre-batmobile/ Tue, 10 May 2016 07:27:21 +0000 http://www.compositestoday.com/?p=13876 This one of a kind batmobile style car was created for Team Galag’s 2016 Gumball 3000 challenge by Caresto.

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Built by ex-Koenigsegg engineer Leif Tufvesson, the design is based on the car from the Arkham knight video game but has been redesigned and manufactured with drivability and full functionality in mind. The wheelbase is 3.40 meters and the width of this special car is 2.5 metres. The special high rigid tubular frame is manufactured to provide good handling and offer a solid feeling.

Front and rear suspensions are fully independent and made with double wishbones connected to the coil over shock absorbers, up front through a special designed aluminium push rod. Under the bat hood sits a Lamborghini 560hp V10 engine connected to a paddle shift gear box affecting the 26″ wheels. To stop the car we have used ABS supported 8-pot Brembo calipers in front and 6-pot in rear all connected to big brake discs.

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The complicated all carbon fibre body was made from full-scale moulds which are milled out from the CAD drawings. Inside, the interior is a combination of black soft leather and “see trough” fabric, all kept together by golden stitches. The interior lights up the seats, floor and pedals when the fully electric cockpit opens up.

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