Not sure what tubing you should use for your new frame?
Then find out about the types of tubes that are available and see which best suits you. still not sure? Then contact Hillbrick Racing Frames with your details and we will provide you with our recommendations.
Columbus Tubing Website
|
|
Construction Material Information
|
Why choose aluminum?
Aluminum is
synonymous with lightness and lightness, combined with good
strength, is the quality most appreciated in cycling. However, if not properly
treated, aluminum may deteriorate in time and this may give rise to a
deterioration in the mechanical characteristics. Consequently, an aluminum
frame inevitably requires more rigorous production processes and frequent checks
by the user to identify any superficial defects or cracks. Undoubtedly the most
obvious advantage is that it withstands the action of the atmospheric agents:
an aluminum frame does not rust! Also, with its excellent
workability, it enables the designer to come up with the most
imaginative and creative solutions.
For the production of its tube-sets in aluminum Columbus uses light alloys like
Al-Zn-Mg (series 7000) and Al-Si-Mg (series 6000). The classification derives
from the American Aluminum Association. The alloy elements: Mg = magnesium, Zn =
zinc and Si = silicium that, properly combined between each other, form
intercrystalline compounds which give the mechanical properties to the alloy.
Both alloys acquire their maximum mechanical properties through a heat treatment
cycle.
|
|
Read more...
|
|
|
Construction Material Information
|
|
 Why choose Carbon fiber?
The carbon fiber composite has superior mechanical characteristics. It
has a great ability to decrease vibrations and by correctly directing
the fibers, you obtain at each point the desired characteristics of
strength and resistance. The other side of the coin is the extreme
specialization and precise fields of use. The resins used in the
production of carbon fiber, have usage temperature limits of 90°C. The carbon fiber composite has a thermal expansion coefficient 50 times less
than that of aluminum, therefore a great deal of attention must be paid
to joining the aluminum and composites. This all requires a great
design effort. The product must be studied in depth in the design
stage. Finished elements analysis allows us to map the strains and
therefore the correct structuring of the piece. Columbus has provided
in its assembly instruction manuals for the carbon parts, precise
instructions to frame makers to avoid errors and problems.
Composite material is defined as a material obtained through the
union of two or more materials that are chemically or physically
distinct on a macroscopic level and are insoluble, having properties
that are technologically superior to those of its components in one or
more aspect.
There are also composite materials in nature, such as wood. The
first applications of composites can be dated back to ancient Egypt
when the bricks were made of clay mixed with chopped straw. Modern
composites consist of the union of a filling material (matrix) with a
reinforcing material. The most common are composites in which the
reinforcement consists of fiber and the matrix is a polymer resin.
These are very common in the aerospace industry where their superior
mechanical characteristics and lightweight are highly appreciated.
|
|
Read more...
|
|
|
Construction Material Information
|
 Why choose steel?
Steel ensures high
performance at really low weights. The new alloys, particularly
Thermacrom, give a weight close to that of the aluminum
alloys, together with a perfectly balancable elastic response, that is
appreciated in particular on long traits. Unlike aluminum, steel is
substantially stable over time, not requiring onerous
maintenance cycles. If properly rust-treated, under normal conditions of use, it
has almost unlimited fatigue resistance. It allows frames
to be built with excellent performances, rigid yet comfortable, suitable
for any type of use.
Steel is the material that was first used in the construction of
top-of-the-range frames because of its superior mechanical characteristics, most
notably its superior fatigue resistance and a breaking load second only to that
of advanced composite materials. Columbus research has always worked towards the
customization and development of materials with characteristics intended for
cycling use. The results are of international importance. Columbus's history
is the creation of steels with patented formulations such as the famous
Nivacrom.
|
|
Read more...
|
|
|
