Composites in Fishing Rods

Marc CransChris HendersonMatthew Leroux

Deryl Sedran

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History of Fishing RodsTraditional materials included bamboo and other

types of wood

Bamboo still used because of good dampening properties

Steel rods introduced in early 1900s

Fiberglass rods introduced in 1940s

Carbon fiber rods introduced in 1970s2

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Modern Fishing Rod MaterialsWoven fiberglass composites

Carbon fiber composites (often mislabeled as graphite)

Boron and various ceramics sometimes used for fibers

Split bamboo rods still fairly common

Ideal Fishing Rod PropertiesFlexibility

Light weight

Fatigue resistance

Withstand Environmental Conditions

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Fishing Rod SpecificationsClassified in 3 ways:

• Power – Strength of rod, how far it will bend• Light, ML, Medium, MH, Heavy

• Action – How the rod flexes and how quickly the tip returns to neutral• slow, medium, fast, extra fast

• Modulus – Rod materials (usually fibers) • low, medium, high

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Fishing Rod SpecificationsAction Power

Fishing Rod SpecificationsOptimum rod depends on fishing technique:Trolling/ Downrigging: Fiberglass, heavy, med

action Crankbaits/Spinners: Carbon fiber, med actionSoft Plastics: High modulus, fast or extra fast action

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Fishing Rod DesignGeometries

• Tapering• Action Geometries• Wall Thickness• Length

Composite Materials• Carbon Fiber / Epoxy Resin• Fiber Glass

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ManufacturingA pre-impregnated synthetic fibre sheet is

hand cut into a particular shape which varies by rod type

The specific weave and weight of the sheets are specially designed for each manufacturer

The cut-out is wrapped around a tapered steel mandrel and hot rolled

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Manufacturing

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ManufacturingMajority of the fibres are lined up along the length

of the mandrel (80-90%)

A thin polymer film is wrapped around the mandrel before heat treating it to cure the resin

The polymer film shrinks increasing pressure on the blank as the resin hardens

Blank is removed from the film and mandrel, sanded then coated in protective materials.

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Thank you for your attention

Any questions?12