Uphill easier

Polyamides from EMS-GRIVORY achieve property combinations which are not possible with conventional compounds: Maximum mechanical properties with minimum weight. The potential of these polyamides can be seen at its best in winter sport applications.

11.01.2016

In mountaineering, every gram counts although requirements regarding safety and functionality of sport equipment and clothing are also increasing. These two factors are often contradictory, but by using special polyamides from EMS-GRIVORY, it is now possible to manufacture mountain sport gear which carries off the balancing act of maximum functionality, safety in use and minimum weight. The touring boot Backland, made by leading ski sport supplier Atomic, is an excellent example.

Easier uphill

The main requirements of a modern touring ski boot are functionality on the way up and on the way down, consistent properties at very low temperatures and in spring snow, excellent flexural fatigue strength and not least, an attractive design. But weight is also a significant factor for professional touring ski boots. Thanks to Grilamid L20A HL NZ used for the shell, the weight of Atomic touring ski boots has been clearly reduced in comparison to competitors' products. This special PA12 grade with a density of only 0.98 g/cm3 paired with high impact strength at temperatures below zero, good flow properties and an attractive look and feel, is the perfect shell material. In addition, the product is very resistant to weathering and being polyamide 12, has extremely low water absorption.

Varied choice – simple processing

EMS-GRIVORY has recently expanded its range of special polyamides for ski sport again and now offers new grades with even lower density, higher gloss or, on request, made of bio-based polyamides. In addition, these new, unreinforced products can be combined with light-weight, high impact-resistant and very stiff long fibre reinforced polyamides such as Grilamid LVL (glass fibres) or Grilamid LCL (carbon fibres). Processed using conventional injection-moulding machinery, they allow complex component structures to be achieved which are not possible to mould with – often extremely costly – composite solutions.

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