Just a few years in the past, Boyd Johnson (of Boyd Wheels) and I had been sharing a beer and he talked about sometime desirous to make braided carbon fiber rims. Quick ahead to right this moment, and it’s now a actuality.
He and some others have acquired Munich Composites in Germany, which has been making braided carbon fiber rims for a number of German manufacturers. As a part of the acquisition, they’re shifting half of their manufacturing line to Landrum, SC, to provide for the North American market.
Now, they provide US-based alloy rim development through Olive Manufacturing Group, and carbon through Munich Composites. This lets EU prospects maintain ordering from Europe, saving on VAT and different charges, and opens up extra alternatives for US and Canadian manufacturers to onshore future merchandise.
The method weaves steady carbon fiber strands right into a “sock” that slides over or is instantly woven round a mildew. The half is then inserted into the outer mildew and injected with resin. Known as RTM (Resin Switch Molding), the half begins with dry fibers and the resin is added beneath excessive strain. Time Bicycles has used this methodology for years.
Munich Composites GmbH says their patented braiding development creates a stronger, increased high quality rim as a result of it has steady fiber all through all the rim somewhat than tons of of small pre-preg carbon items which might be positioned by hand. It’s not simply the continual fibers, they’ll additionally management the precise resin quantity and blend, and simply add different fiber varieties (kevlar, Aramid, and so on.) to the development.
They’re partnering with Clemson College, which can permit them to even higher-pressure molding sooner or later, which might create a extra superior product than what’s presently accomplished within the bike business.
Boyd will use the brand new expertise in future merchandise, however Hunt Bike Wheels will beat them to it with a brand new wheelset utilizing woven rims at Sea Otter.
