ExoGrid technology combines the best attributes of advanced composites with those of traditional metals. Exogrid Technology is able to take advantage of the primary benefits of metals (strength and consistency) as well as those of continuous fiber-based composites (weight savings and design flexibility). Exogrid Technology is particularly well suited to applications where lightweight and high-stiffness/strength are critical.
It is manufactured using female bladder moulding (requires tooling). ExoGrid structures start with a base metal (such as titanium) structure that then has a major portion of the surface area removed through advanced machining techniques, such as laser machining. The resulting lightweight metal shell is then fused (using the VyaTek’s patented Bi/Fusion Technology) with an advanced composite inner structure using elevated temperature and pressure.
ExoGrid is lightweight, strong and has adjustable torsion strength depending on composite layup. Multi-material Exogrid structures possess unique vibration damping qualities due to the dissimilar natural frequencies of the fiber based composites and base metals. This vibration damping effect gives improved “feel” to bicycles frames and components when compared to the vibrations generated by single material metal surfaces.
ExoGrid can be made with a variety of different alloys and a variety of different carbon weaves. It can be left raw if using a tarnish-proof alloy like Titanium. It can be painted a variety of different colours or even finished with a translucent colour dye. The gloss level depends on the amount of polishing of the metal or composite surfaces.
Common applications include sporting equipment (baseball bats, lacrosse sticks) and bicycle frames.