DOUBLE AND TRIPLE BUTTING
Double butting describes tubes with two wall thicknesses; thicker at the ends and thinner in the middle. Triple butting describes tubes with three different wall thicknesses along their length, optimising strength where it is needed but minimising weight in areas subjected to less stress. All our aluminium is heat treated. Frames are heated to very high temperatures (a T6 temper) then quickly cooled in water or oil to ensure the alloying elements don’t precipitate. Frames are subsequently heated to a lower temperature, artificially ageing and significantly strengthening them.
HYDRO AND TECHNOFORMING
Hydroforming involves the insertion of tubes into negative moulds. A hot emulsion of water and oil is forced through at pressure, enabling them to be formed into complex shapes. Technoforming is a mechanical forming process, shaping the tubes by using negative moulds, at times combined with an internal metal core. Smooth welding, also known as double pass welding, refers to a second pass over the weld providing a clean organic look to the frame; at first glance, you will be convinced it is carbon, not aluminium.
