Refitech has expanded the range of its RefiFLEX carbon fiber square tube construction solution, which now includes a 40 x 40 mm high-precision tube with a standard length of 1600 mm and the corresponding connector RefiFLEX 40S. In addition, Refitech stated that it can now provide CarboSix unidirectional (UD) carbon fiber pultruded profiles to Benelux customers, a political and economic alliance in Western Europe. The profile has an integrated mounting slot, and a variety of fixing materials can be used to tighten them instead of sticking them together to form a frame.
"We are seeing an increase in the demand for lightweight systems," said Bas Nijpels, a sales engineer at Refitech. Therefore, more and more mechanical engineers are beginning to use our carbon fiber tubes and profiles. In turn, in addition to our successful 20mm, 25mm and 30mm RefiFLEX tubes, this has also led to an increase in demand for larger size tubes. Like its smaller RefiFLEX comparator, the new 40 x 40 mm tube is smooth on the inside and outside, ensuring that the connector can be glued for a perfect fit. By combining different RefiFLEX elements, lightweight frameworks suitable for various applications can be easily constructed. "
Nijpels pointed out that the RefiFLEX tube and connector series now includes 18 different shapes and sizes. Moreover, Nijpel said they continue to face architectural challenges, including achieving high performance while reducing weight. The most recent customer application is a large LED screen frame.
In addition, under a cooperation agreement, Refitech is now adding CarboSix's building system to its product portfolio. Unlike the multi-layer prepreg RefiFLEX system, the CarboSix profile is composed of UD carbon fiber pultruded profiles, making it an ideal choice for solutions with high bending stiffness when lightweight is required. The three available sizes include 90 x 90 mm, 90 x 45 mm and 45 x 45 mm, and have integrated mounting slots so the profiles can be screwed together to form a frame.
"These profiles can be used for calibration frames or assembly fixtures in the automotive, mechanical engineering and aerospace industries," Nijpel added. These carbon fiber frames and fixtures are lighter and stronger than metal frames. Compared with the aluminum frame, the system can save up to 70% of the weight with the same weight and rigidity. The end user's advantage lies not only in the high dimensional stability and very low ergonomic load, but also in the production process as needed for the adjustment or rearrangement of components to provide greater flexibility. "