January 24, 2004

By: Wayne Guest
Website: http://www.1st-in-golf.com

Toray develops carbon fiber prepreg for golf club shafts

Toray Industries, Inc. announced today that its aerospace industry experience with carbon fiber operations has led to the development of a technology that strengthens resin, which reinforces carbon fiber, and has, in turn, led to the introduction of "Tuf Beam," a shock absorbent carbon fiber prepreg that meets the demand for lightweight golf club shafts. "Tuf Beam," scheduled to be marketed in September, employs durable and stretchable resin that improves shock absorbency 20% in comparison with existing molded products. Golf club shafts molded with "Tuf Beam" are approximately 5% lighter than conventional shafts, yet are as strong, and allow incredible flexibility during the design stage. As proof, the shock absorbency of "Tuf Beam" has reduced dramatically the number of broken golf club shafts.

To enhance the shock absorbency of fiber-reinforced plastic products, a strong resin is required; however, existing technology corrupts the heat resistance and elasticity of resin at 80·With its technology that strengthens resin, Toray is able to maintain the heat resistance and elasticity of resin when molding "Tuf Beam," thereby realizing a superior shock absorbent golf club shaft.

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Wayne Guest is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.1st-in-golf.com.  A source of information on golf equipment, golf manufacturers, supplies, tips and more.