Composites for High-Performance Applications

Our long and varied experience in motorsport, coupled with our policy of ongoing development, puts us at the forefront of innovation in optomising vehicle performance - both on and off the track.

We work closely with manufacturing companies at the cutting edge of vehicle development, and can supply a range of components specially suited to extract the maximum performance from your vehicle. Using the filament winding process, through these manufacturers we offer composite propshafts, driveshafts, and torque tubes.Our sources are specialists in the use of carbon fibre, glass fibre, and kevlar.

These propshafts and driveshafts run on vehicles in Sportscar, GT, WRC and Touring Car Championships worldwide, whilst pressure vessels and accumulators can be found in Formula 1 and several other classes of motorsport.

Massive weight savings

Composite propshafts are on average up to 75% lighter than similarly sized steel shafts, giving a dramatic reduction in rotational mass. Large weight savings are also possible over aluminium and titanium propshafts. The high specific stiffness of our propshafts means larger distances can be spanned, which can lead to the elimination of centre bearings, saving more weight and improving serviceability.

Extreme strength

Composite propshafts are exceptionally strong and reliable, with typical torque ratings in excess of 3500Nm. Tailored solutions are available for higher and lower torque applications. All composite propshafts feature a filament-wound composite tube specifically designed to suit the power, torque and space constraints of each vehicle. Every propshaft is designed to give the strongest, most reliable, and best performing solution.

High stiffness values and whirl elimination

Our composite manufacturing partners design every aspect of each propshaft to the required stiffness of the application, eliminating whirl problems and allowing single piece propshafts to be used in place of two piece shafts, allowing further reduction of kerb and rotational weight.

High durability and safety

Composite propshafts have superb fatigue life, and can be offered with surface protection for impact resistance in harsh environments. Each design is put through a rigorous test procedure in our in-house mechanical test lab, including high load fatigue and ultimate load testing. Composite materials have excellent energy absorption properties leading to enhanced safety.

Flexible Drive Couplings

This range of composite flexible drive couplings has been developed to eliminate the problems found with other flexible disc couplings on the market. These torque discs feature the following benefits:

- More compliant than titanium discs

- Stronger than other composite discs

- Steel bosses for even load distribution

- Torque ratings in excess of 3500Nm

- High strength to weight ratio

Linkage Rods

We can supply advanced composite linkage rods for any high performance mechanical application. Our linkage rods are custom made to any diameter using the filament winding process, with aluminium end fittings bonded in, to accomodate any attachment. These linkage rods are exceptionally stiff and strong, and are 50% lighter than steel versions. They are ideal for any mechanical application where light weight and high stiffness are required.