COMPOSITE MATERIAL ADVANCES IN THE GOLF （复合材料的进步的高尔夫球）.pdf

COMPOSITE MATERIAL ADVANCES IN THE GOLF INDUSTRY Jerome S. Berg Manager of Technical Service, True Temper Sports Society of Manufacturing Engineers-Board Advisor Representing the Recreation Industry SUMMARY: The popularity of carbon fiber composites as a primary structure for components in sporting goods appeared to gain momentum in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Particularly in the golf industry, these materials offered lighter weight, a variety of design options not possible with steel, and a high tech image to a rather affluent market. The sporting goods consumer desires equipment which represents the latest technology and is more expensive than his competitor’s. Sporting goods companies are searching for the next advanced material that will allow them to gain another niche in the marketplace which will command a higher price and margin. Successfully implementing these new technologies with the associated research and development requires partnerships among the sporting goods industries, the material vendors, and the academic community. Several product development efforts including metal matrix materials, robust resin systems, and high modulus carbon fibers are discussed. KEYWORDS: sporting goods, golf, metal matrix, composites INTRODUCTION Background and Historical Perspective Advanced materials and new processing technology has created the phenomenon of high-end sporting and recreational equipment for which sports enthusiasts are willing to pay a premium. It is not uncommon to find someone who is willing to pay $2500 for a cutting-edge bicycle made from advanced materials