Advanced Materials for Extreme Sports
In the world of extreme sports equipment, lightness and structural strength are essential elements to ensure high performance and absolute safety.
Disciplines such as hang gliding require materials that combine mechanical robustness, environmental resistance, and dimensional stability, even under heavy stress.
A significant example of the application of high-performance structural compounds comes from Icaro2000, an Italian company leading in the design and production of hang gliders, helmets, and accessories dedicated to sport flying.
Icaro2000 and the Challenge of Safety in Hang Gliding
Guided by the experience of internationally renowned pilots and instructors like Christian Ciech, multiple world champion, Icaro2000 has always focused on the continuous improvement of safety and aerodynamic performance of its hang gliders.
Every structural component is designed to ensure maximum reliability even in the most extreme flying conditions.
Recently, the company decided to completely rethink the wing fastening system, a key element in transmitting aerodynamic forces to the frame.
The new project required a material capable of offering:
- high toughness and tensile strength,
- resilience to impulsive stresses,
- mechanical and thermal stability over time,
- resistance to weather agents, humidity, and UV radiation.
The Role of the LATAMID 6 CUVHPX10 G/35 Structural Compound
For the development of the new components, Icaro2000 relied on the collaboration of Plastì Srl from Barasso (Varese), specialized in the processing of technical plastics, and on LATI structural compounds.
The choice fell on LATAMID 6 CUVHPX10 G/35, a structural compound for injection molding designed for mechanically demanding applications.
Technical composition of the material
| Properties | Value / Description | Technical function |
| Polymeric matrix | High viscosity PA6 | Excellent thermal resistance and processability |
| Reinforcement | 35% glass fiber | High rigidity and structural strength |
| Toughening | Dispersed elastomeric phase | Better impact and fatigue absorption |
| Stabilization | UV + heat | Durability in harsh environmental conditions |
| Density | 1.5 g/cm³ | Lightweight with performance comparable to metals |
The LATAMID 6 CUVHPX10 G/35 ensures superior performance compared to previous reinforced technopolymer solutions, maintaining an excellent balance between rigidity and flexibility.
This allows the new sail fastening hooks to withstand high dynamic loads without brittle failures or permanent deformations.
Testing and Validation of the New Components
The new structural fastenings underwent intensive testing, which included:
- static tests of structural load resistance,
- dynamic tests in real flight conditions,
- simulations of mechanical and vibrational stress.
The results demonstrated a greater mechanical reliability and a significant improvement in the coupling safety between wing and frame, eliminating the risks of detachment or deformation during extreme maneuvers.
Thanks to these developments, Icaro2000 hang gliders maintain extremely high performance standards, confirming themselves among the best in the world for efficiency, stability, and safety in flight.
Structural Compounds for Extreme Sports: when Technology Makes the Difference
Structural compounds for extreme sports equipment represent a new frontier in high-performance materials.
Compared to traditional metals, they offer decisive advantages:
| Properties | Metal | Structural compound |
| Specific weight | 2.7 g/cm³ | 1.5 g/cm³ |
| Workability | Mechanical processing | Direct molding |
| Impact resistance | Medium | High (toughened) |
| Weather resistance | Requires protection | Intrinsic |
| Electrical insulation | Poor | Excellent |
| Production cost | High | Reduced for large series |
Thanks to these characteristics, reinforced compounds are used not only in free flight, but also in sports such as mountain biking, kitesurfing, climbing, skydiving, and motorsport, where every gram and every point of resistance count.
Conclusion
Learn how structural compounds for extreme sports equipment can improve the performance and safety of your projects.
Visit www.lati.com to discover LATAMID technical solutions for sports and leisure.
FAQ – Structural Compound for Extreme Sports Equipment
1. What characteristics should a structural compound for extreme sports have?
It must ensure mechanical strength, toughness, and lightness, resisting dynamic stress, impacts, and critical environmental conditions.
2. Can structural compounds replace metal?
Yes, in many sports and mechanical applications they offer equal strength with reduced weight and better processability.
3. What advantages do LATAMID compounds offer compared to other technical materials?
They offer balanced performance between rigidity, flexibility, durability, and UV resistance, ideal for exposed components subject to mechanical stress.
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