Innovation in Biobased Ski Pole manufacturing IN-B-POLE

Purpose and goal:

The aim of the project was to manufacture a telescopic rod in composite material with flux as reinforcement and bio-based epoxy as a matrix, that meets the mechanical requirements set according to the specification from Kang Pole. One goal for Kang Poles was also to investigate if production can take place in Sweden. Both the purpose and the goal have been fulfilled. The plan is therefor to start the production of Kang Pole´s telescopic rod (biobased) in Piteå.

Expected results and effects:

Being able to offer a bio-based rod is expected to lead to a future increase in market share. Already in the second year, it is therefore planned to double the number of units produced by PODCOMP. Kang Pole has also received more and more requests for bio-based rods, which makes it seem like a reasonable assumption. Hopefully, both knowledge and inspiration will spread to other industries and products so that the biobased market becomes even larger.

Approach and implementation:

A requirements specification of KangPole has been the basis for the calculations for the design. A rod with a slightly larger diameter was chosen, and the materials were chosen to withstand both manufacturing and strength. A number of pipes to test that the mechanical requirements were achievable were manufactured.

These were tested with promising results and prototype production started. 32 prototypes (with different resins) have been tested mechanically in both cold and room temperature. Some have also been tested by skiers. LCA and economic calculations have also been made.