Simplifying the ‘dark art’ of Ultrasound NDT for the bike industry
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egardless of the industry, defects to carbon bre structures during manufacturing and damage during use (or ‘in-service damage’) can occur - reducing strength and sti ness and increasing risk in a variety of ways. To ensure the integrity of the composite structure, such issues (whether originating from manufacturing, design, accidental damage, in-service use) need to be found and accurately evaluated.
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Globally, the carbon bre market continues to grow. 59m new carbon bre bikes are set to hit roads between 2021-25, with demand surging among the pre-owned bicycle industry also. Global production is pegged to hit 135,000 tons and, as a result of continued growth across a range of industries, the global carbon bre production market is projected to
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IS YOUR CARBON FIBRE SAFE?
increase from USD 3.7 billion (2020) to USD 8.9 billion by 2031 (Source: www.marketsandmarkets.com). So, with carbon frame and component demand driving increased ownership and usage, surely those with the skills, knowledge, and technology to conduct structural safety inspections to ensure their safety have increased also, right? Wrong. Simply put, the need for accurate, consistent, and cost-e ective solutions for reputable bike businesses to identify and assess damage, whilst determining ‘repair-ability’, has never been more important. Cyclists place their trust in their LBS to ensure both roadworthiness and performance, however the de nition of what is considered ‘roadworthy’ is starting to shift. No longer is a mechanical service, visual inspection
