Graphite

[Sam]

Why do we call golf club shafts graphite when in most other applications they would be called carbon fibre? Is this another transatlanticism?

 

[medwayjon]

I believe, although I am probably wrong, that they are 2 separate materials.

I had a fishing rod that was carbon-fibre with a graphite-coil around it.

 

[disagolfer]

I'snt graphite moulded dust and carbon fibre is thin strips of carbon weaved together to make carbon fibre.

i used to play tennis and i had a graphite tennis racket which felt rough, compared to my carbon fibre wheels on my chair.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbon_fiber

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Graphite

 

[Sam]

Well I always thought they were the same - looked up elsewhere and got

Many sports utilise the physical properties of carbon fibre (often referred to as graphite by manufacturers and retailers) as rival companies constantly compete to produce high performance equipment. For example in golf, the traditional materials such as steel used for the shaft of a golf club are being replaced in favour of carbon fibre as it produces a lightweight club, with the advantage of low torque. The diagram below shows how the shaft is constructed. The Bias Plies are layers of carbon fibre which control torque across the lateral axis of the shaft in order to produce torsional rigidity. The zero plies determine the flex of the shaft. Different thickness' and grades of carbon fibre can be used to customise flex in the club.

Sorry I asked - reaching for my coat!

 

[disagolfer]

just looking at other bits and bobs.

graphite seems to be a strong material than carbon fibre. Which is why motorcycle helmets aren't made from carbon fibre because it shatters on impact.

also i think there is a difference in prices for the materials used.

DOT(department of transportation) approved motorcycle helmets cannot be all carbon because it shatters on impact. most manufactuers are making a carbon helmet with a kevlar or glass back because thats the only way to get them DOT approved Both carbon fibre and kevlar cost big buck$

 

[medwayjon]

graphite seems to be a strong material than carbon fibre. Which is why motorcycle helmets aren't made from carbon fibre because it shatters on impact.

This is just confusing me more as formula one cars monococks are made from carbon-fibre sheeting and the safety-cell part can withstand a 220mph smash into a wall and remain intact.

I think it is all down to how the material is worked & shaped etc.

Also some lairy cars have carbon-fibre as opposed to graphite brakes. It would make me believe that CF is the stronger material because of the temperatures and load these brake-discs are subjected to under hard driving. (CF brakes are a b@$tard when cold by the way!)

 

[theeaglehunter]

As far as I am aware medwayjon is correct, carbonfire is stronger than graphite. Thats what I thought, but its not definitive.