Topic: Carbon Fiber Nuts and Bolts

[sparty]

I spoke with my father-in-law this evening.  He is a materials engineer in the carbon industry and works on some pretty neat projects for a Swiss owned company.  Anyway, his recent project just finished.  He and his company just made a new series of carbon fiber nuts and bolts.  These bolts and nuts are ultrahigh strength 2.4 million psi/lb/in.3 where as titanium is 1.2 million psi/lb/in.3.  Their melting point is around 650 degrees F.  These bolts and nuts can sustain high mechanical loads without shearing, never corrode, dampen vibration and according to my father-in-law are so light that when in the palm of your hand their weight is barely noticeable or 80% less than the same size metal nut and bolt.  So, I asked him if I can get a sample, he said sure.  Now I am wondering if I can get a few in the correct sizes to fit to my bike in some areas.  The bolts were made in hex head, tork head, and allen head.  Where do you guys think I could use these bolts and nuts safely, assuming I can get more than a sample.  My father-in-law also said that F1 race cars are using them in their suspensions and engines, and the military is using them in aircraft so they must be semi-reliable.

Sparty

[fuzzybutt]

would axles be too much of a stretch? motor mount bolts, swingarm pivot too?

[Terry in Australia]

I think the tool kit tray, license plate and airbox could fall off without too many drama's Art, so that's the only place I'd use 'em. 

[333]

You could use them to fasten fenders, chain guard, battery box, even the handlebar and controls. Virtually everything but the engine and exhaust, where heat is an issue.

[Bodi]

Whew. I think a set of these bolts would likely cost more than a new R1.
There's a writeup here:
http://machinedesign.com/ContentItem/%2062671/Superstrongnutsandbolts.aspx
Now someone just has to make a carbon fibre frame and wheels, and we're all set.

[ekim98]

Whew. I think a set of these bolts would likely cost more than a new R1.
 Now someone just has to make a carbon fibre frame and wheels, and we're all set.

Add some brake disc's, gas tank and a federal grant!    You could probably get a cb750 under 300 lbs.

[754]

Yes they would cost more than our bikes are worth, make Carrillo's look cheap!!

change out all the bolts  for 5K or run a gallon less gas , or go on a diet,  hmmmmmm.

[tsflstb]

Neat stuff.  I dumped all my bolts in a bucket as I tore the bike down and it got pretty heavy.  There's a good 15-20 lbs of nuts and bolts on a bike.  You could probably shave 10 lbs with these.  Or in my case, I could just lay off the beer and pie for a lot less money.

I'd imagine these bolts are a one time use thing.  Probably wouldn't want to put them in a high-maintenance area.  I think the new R1's have Ti fasteners like this.  They can't be re-torqued.