Precision Tools for Carbon Fiber Triathlon Bike Frames
RAKU® TOOL WB-0890
Lightweight, durable, and precise: The Swedish Bike Project began with an ambitious question:
What becomes possible when Swedish engineering, advanced composite materials, and innovative manufacturing technologies are brought together from the ground up?
The result is far more than an innovative carbon fiber Triathlon / TT bike. The project is a compelling demonstration of how lightweight design, digital manufacturing, and advanced tooling technologies can be combined into a highly effective production solution.
After the frame design had been validated using a 3D-printed prototype, the next critical phase began: developing a precision tool for manufacturing the carbon fiber frame. This is where RAKU® TOOL WB-0890 comes into play.
Challenge
Precision and Process Reliability in Composite Tooling
Carbon fiber components for triathlon bikes place high demands on tooling materials. Key factors include precise geometry, excellent surface quality, reliable temperature resistance, and consistent performance throughout the entire autoclave process.
Particularly for complex frame geometries, the tool must deliver repeatable accuracy, dimensional stability, and process reliability to enable the efficient production of high-quality composite components.
Manufacturing Process
The manufacturing process combines modern CNC machining with advanced composite technology to create a high-performance tool for carbon fiber production.
- CNC Machining
RAKU® TOOL WB-0890 boards are machined into a high-precision direct tool. - Tool Assembly
The individual tool segments are finished and precisely aligned. - Surface Preparation
The tool surface is prepared for laminate lay-up using suitable sealing and release systems. - Prepreg Lay-Up
Carbon fiber prepregs are placed into the tool according to the component design. - Pressure Bladder Integration
A pressure bladder is inserted before the tool is closed. - Autoclave Curing
The frame is cured in the autoclave under vacuum, pressure, and temperature. - Demolding and Finishing
After demolding, the carbon fiber frame is trimmed and finished to its final geometry.
Product Information: RAKU® TOOL WB-0890
RAKU® TOOL WB-0890 combines excellent machinability, dimensional stability, and reliable performance in the autoclave process.
Your Benefits
- Faster and easier CNC machining
- Reduced post-processing of tool surfaces
- Highly accurate geometries
- More efficient manufacturing processes through consistent tool performance over multiple production cycles
- Reliable composite manufacturing
The Result: High-Performance Tools for Modern Mobility Solutions
The Swedish Bike Project impressively demonstrates how innovative tooling materials pave the way for advanced composite applications.
By combining cutting-edge bicycle development, carbon fiber technology, and precision tools made from RAKU® TOOL WB-0890, a reliable manufacturing solution for premium high-performance triathlon bike frames was created.
Precision tools. Consistent component quality. Maximum process reliability.
Global Support. Anytime. Anywhere.
FAQ
The material combines excellent machinability, high dimensional accuracy, outstanding surface quality, and the temperature resistance required for autoclave processes.
They enable fast machining, high precision, reduced finishing work, and cost-effective production of high-quality composite components.
Yes. The material provides the stability and process reliability required for repeatable production cycles in the manufacture of composite components.
MODELCO
Carl-Johan Stråhle
Email: carl-johan@modelco.se