Zockra bike frames are built out of low temperature Prepreg carbon material. This material is the result of intensive research to cure the resin system at a lower temperature (65 to 80degC) than usual (120degC) and still achieve a good Tg (temperature at which the resin goes soft again). This material also offers a far superior surface finish than conventional prepreg materials and pin hole defects are reduced or non existant.
A prepreg carbon material is a layer of carbon (any kind) impregnated by a machine with a precise amount of resin and ensures that no dry spot weakens the part. The prepreg is then covered by a teflon sheet on side and frozen to stop the resin cure.
Using carbon prepreg materials makes life easier for the builder. He only needs a pair of gloves, a knife and a pair of scissors. Health safety is far better because there is no wet resin, no brush, no acetone, no roller, no toxic fumes. The prepreg is removed from the fridge 24H before using it and each layer is cut using a template (risk of error is reduced) and applied in a female mould like stickers. Every off-cut is used to make local reinforcement in way of the lugs, seat brackets, iddler.
After placing every layers of carbon in the mould, an inflatable bladder is inserted to apply a massive pressure on the carbon and eliminate every bubble that could result in a catastrophic failure. A bladder moulding technology reduces the amount of wasted material, we don't use any peel ply, any pin hole film, any breather, any sealing joint, any vaccum bag. This is a huge saving for nature.
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