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Early History of Composites

Early History of Composites

  • 1963: Introduction of glass fibre reinforced composites in gymnastic equipment, such as poles in uneven and parallel bars
    This transition enabled more robust equipment and increased elasticity (fig.1)

Recent Development

Recent Developments

  • Glass fibre composites preferred material for bars, with ongoing developments in top layers for improved grip, including natural fibres (fig.2)
  • Glass fibre composites and carbon reinforcement tops on vaulting tables and springboards for improved strength and flexibility
  • Ribbon canes and clubs in rhythmic gymnastics: frequently made of fibre-reinforced composites for flexibility and lightweight (fig.3)
  • First use of carbon fibre composites to replace steel in structural elements in gymnastic equipment such as balance beam and pommel horse (Taishan, China) (fig.4)

Gallery

Gallery

1963: Introduction of glass fibre reinforced composites in gymnastic equipment, such as poles in uneven and parallel bars
1. 1963: Introduction of glass fibre reinforced composites in gymnastic equipment, such as poles in uneven and parallel bars

 

Glass fibre composites preferred material for bars, with ongoing developments in top layers for improved grip, including natural fibres
2. Glass fibre composites preferred material for bars, with ongoing developments in top layers for improved grip, including natural fibres

 

Ribbon canes and clubs in rhythmic gymnastics: frequently made of fibre-reinforced composites for flexibility and lightweight
3. Ribbon canes and clubs in rhythmic gymnastics: frequently made of fibre-reinforced composites for flexibility and lightweight

 

First use of carbon fibre composites to replace steel in structural elements in gymnastic equipment such as balance beam and pommel horse
4. First use of carbon fibre composites to replace steel in structural elements in gymnastic equipment such as balance beam and pommel horse

 

 

 

On the road to Olympic and Paralympic Games

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