Carbon fibre fabric, often mentioned in the context of Formula 1 and top end sports cars, latest generation commercial and military aircraft, wind turbines, sports equipment and NASA has been around a while but is a remarkably simple product – essentially carbon and resin with some tech thrown in.
Invention is often attributed to either Joseph Swan or Thomas Edison in the filaments of early light bulbs but the real breakthrough was by the UK’s Ministry of Defence that patented the modern process in 1963.
Carbon fibres are 5-10 microns in diameter (vs human hair which is 15-180 for those that still have it). The fibre is mostly composed of carbon atoms in a “tow” then woven into fabric giving high stiffness, strength, chemical resistance, temperature tolerance and low weight.
The fabric is often combined with a resin and baked to form a carbon fibre reinforced polymer (aka carbon fibre to normal people). The beauty is that carbon fibre can be easily molded into intricate shapes, the bad news is its super expensive. On the cost side it's a bit like saying how much wood costs but suffice to say we have chosen to upcycle as much as possible.
ONE BOND STREET became acquainted with carbon fibre from our participation in the Macau GP, with our Danny Watts “piloted” McLaren MP4-12C GT3. An amazing car, piloted by a gifted driver. We dug deep into the technology and decided to develop our own line of carbon fibre sterling silver cufflinks, silver jewellery and cufflink boxes. We upcycled carbon fibre from a range of sources, specifically cars and commercial aircraft, to develop truly original carbon fibre silver jewellery for men and ladies.
Our journey was not without a few surprises and hiccups along the way… carbon fibre is very light and easily blown away, few companies have real expertise in using the product so adding color was an education, cutting and shaping a hard brittle composite caused a few cuts and curses. To that extent we taught ourselves, developed our own products and now are expanding our range.
So, if you are looking for something a little bit different, a gift with tech, then ONE BOND STREET could help. We have red, yellow, white and black sterling silver cufflinks that say that little bit more, carbon fibre watch boxes to keep your precious watches safe or carbon fibre silver bangles to make a statement plus a lot more. Live fast, dress well. Visit ONE BOND STREET.
Chris Harker
Author