Application of composite materials in sports optics

Abstract

CFRP (Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymers) are often used when designing parts that need to be stiff, light and thermally stable. These benefits are a big motivation to use CFRP in many applications, one of them could be sports optics. However, optical devices require precise dimensions with tight tolerances for the optical assembly to work correctly. In order to determine if CFRP could be a suitable material of choice for sports optics a simplified body of binoculars was designed. The tubular body was manufactured by prepreg lay-up into a 3D printed mold, followed by curing in an autoclave. After the prototype was manufactured 3D measurements of the tube using 3D scanner GOM ATOS were made. As expected, shrinkage of the mold and the epoxy resin in the matrix of CFRP caused minor deformations. However, if the shape of the cured part remains unchanged during conditions similar to the general use of binoculars, then the initial deformations happening during manufacturing could be accounted for when designing the part.