Applications and typical parts​
Carbon sandwich inserts
In composite sandwich constructions, aluminium is frequently employed for creating hardpoints. However, 3DCC block material offers a superior alternative, achieving a 50% reduction in weight, optimal adhesion, and similar low coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) compared to the rest of the composite structure, thereby eliminating thermal expansion issues.
Carbon frame hardpoints
Carbon frames and construction tubes often have thin walls to minimize weight. While these wall thicknesses are generally sufficient for the overall loading, local supplemental forces from mounting parts and accessories can benefit from localized thickening. This helps to evenly distribute the local loads into the frame. The 3DCC block material is an ideal solution for this, creating the ultimate hardpoint with low weight, optimal adhesion, and no introduction of foreign materials into the carbon construction, thereby avoiding stress concentrations and cracking due to for instance differences in coefficients of thermal expansion (CTE), among other benefits.
Carbon brackets
Brackets and connectors in composite constructions are often made from conventional materials like aluminium. Using 3DCC block material can reduce the weight of these parts by 50%. Additionally, the excellent adhesion and carbon-carbon solution (no foreign materials) allow these parts to be glued or laminated into the carbon construction without the risk of delamination or cracking due to stress concentrations and thermal expansion issues. Additionally 3DCC block material has a distinctive and high tech appearance!
Bearing housing
Bearings require stable and robust support to ensure that dynamic forces are evenly distributed throughout the construction. These dynamic forces are often complex, necessitating precise shaping to achieve optimal fit and alignment of the bearings, thereby preventing damage and wear. Machining a bearing housing from 3DCC block materials and laminating or gluing it into the full carbon construction can provide the ultimate support and fit for your bearings.
Cranks and levers
Cranks and lever arms often need to be lightweight to minimize mass inertia. Carbon composites are an ideal material for these parts. However, due to the complex dynamic loadings on these parts, cracking and delamination pose significant risks. The nearly isotropic behaviour of 3DCC block material helps to overcome this fragility, making your carbon crank both robust and lightweight.
Additionally, 3DCC block material can be machined similarly to conventional materials like aluminium, allowing you to create complex shapes with high accuracy. This precision is essential to meet the stringent requirements for fitting crank bearings.
The ultimate crank application is a full 3DCC crank for a race bike. It is super lightweight, robust, provides a super stable housing for the bearing, and, on top of all, boasts a unique and extremely innovative appearance!
Housing for sensitive micro-electronics
In some extreme situations, microelectronics require a light weigh but still stable, super accurate and protective housing. 3DCC block material is an excellent solution, it is almost half the weight of aluminium and due to its near-zero thermal expansion and superior rigidity it offers maximum accuracy and protection.
The material can be machined similarly to conventional materials like steel and aluminium, providing exceptional precision for fitting electronics, control buttons, connectors, and more.
A prime example of such high-tech electronic housing is a full 3DCC watch case. In this application, not only the technical characteristics but also the unique and high-tech appearance of 3DCC serve as strong selling points.