Carbon fiber is a multi-billion dollar industry that shows no signs of slowing. The material is used in a variety of products.
These include everything from rockets and race cars to sunglasses and helicopters. It also has many military and aerospace applications.
There are other carbon fiber uses. It is popular for almost any sporting equipment where you need to save on weight without sacrificing strength.
This article covers the different benefits of carbon sports equipment. Keep reading to find out if it is the right material for your production needs.
What Is Carbon Fiber?
Carbon fiber is a polymer made of filaments with carbon atoms. It has been around since 1879 when Thomas Edison heated cotton threads and bamboo strands. This “carbonized” them into a fiber filament.
Various manufacturing and engineering endeavors used this same method for the next 80 years. However, it was not until the second half of the 20th century that the full potential of carbon fiber was realized.
Today, most high-quality carbon fiber comes from polyacrylonitrile, rayon, or pitch. Fibers from these materials get spun into threads thinner than human hair. These are heated in an oxygen-free environment.
The temperature required to drive out the non-carbon elements is between 3,000 and 5,000 degrees Fahrenheit. This leaves behind crystalline carbon filaments.
These can then be twisted together into plain or twill weaves. You also can mix them with other materials to achieve different composites. This process also allows you to make almost any part shape or design.
What Are the Benefits of Using Carbon Fiber in Sports?
When it comes to sports, athletes are always looking for products that can give them an edge. Carbon fiber’s main advantage in playing sports is that it combines superior strength while being extremely lightweight.
Some common examples of its use in sports include (but are not limited to):
- Bicycles and bike equipment
- Tennis rackets
- Golf clubs
- Hockey sticks
- Lacrosse stick shafts
- Softball bats
- Archery bows and arrows
- Rowing equipment
- Kayaking paddles
Bicycling is one of the better-known examples. High-performance bike frames for professional racing are almost exclusively made from carbon fiber and are very common among recreational riders as well. Likewise, cyclists rely on carbon fiber for shoes and wheelsets, which helps limit weight while optimizing power transfer (due to stiffness).
Any performance-based sport that values lighter weight can benefit from carbon. Lighter weight allows athletes to swing rackets, clubs, or bats faster, which translates to great velocity.
However, in most of these sports, strength is also vital. The benefit of being lightweight diminishes if the equipment is not durable enough to hold up during performance. Carbon sports equipment is ideal for achieving this balance.
Learn More About Carbon Sports Equipment
Now that you understand the different uses and benefits of carbon sports, you can determine if it is the right material for your recreational needs. Remember that not all carbon fiber materials and products are the same. Find a reputable manufacturer that can leverage all the benefits carbon fiber offers.
SMI Composites provides innovative design solutions and quality-engineered parts for a variety of industries. We also pride ourselves on exemplary customer service. Reach out to us today to see if our customized production capabilities are right for your business.
