Collection: VESPA SLIDES

Carbon and layering: technology hidden in every slat

The blades we make are not simple components, but the result of a meticulous study of materials, stratifications, fiber angles and dynamic response. Each configuration is developed to obtain precise performance based on the type of engine, operating regime and conditions of use.

We use T800H intermediate modulus high strength (IM-HS) carbon fiber, one of the most reliable and high-performance in the industry. Its mechanical characteristics – tensile strength of over 6000 kg/mm² and Young’s modulus of approximately 300,000 kg/mm² – guarantee the best balance between rigidity and flexibility.

The carbon we use is PLAIN woven with 6K filaments (6000 per thread) and a dry weight of 160 g/m², impregnated with tetravalent structural epoxy resin, cured at 145 °C under 7 bar of pressure, with a resin content calibrated at 42%. This means careful processing, without excess resin, capable of reducing weight and increasing the elastic reactivity of the slat.

One material, infinite answers

It is not enough to choose a good fiber: it is the orientation of the fibers and the stratigraphy that determine the real mechanical response of the lamella. Depending on the inclination angle – 0°, 20°, 45°, 90° – the following changes:

Longitudinal and transverse stiffness

Torsional resistance

Flexibility and ability to absorb energy

Thanks to numerous laboratory tests and dynamic bench tests, we offer a calibrated range of variants, distinguished by an identification number: 4, 6, 7, 9, 12, 3

Each of these represents a unique configuration of fiber layup and direction, designed to match the specific behavior of the reed valve stack and engine architecture.

The advantage of mixed stratification

In some cases, we use hybrid carbon and E-glass layers to achieve an even finer balance between initial flexibility, fatigue resistance and resonance control. These carefully considered combinations improve operational durability without compromising responsiveness.

Imperfections? No, a sign of precision

The slats may have small surface imperfections or micro-holes visible to the naked eye. These are not defects, but the result of a molding technique optimized to minimize the presence of resin in the sheets. Reducing the amount of resin, in fact, improves the elastic response of the material and reduces the inertia of the slat, optimizing its opening and closing speed.

Why the T800H?

In the technical graph comparing the main carbon fibers on the market in terms of elastic modulus and tensile strength, T800H is among the best performing and most balanced materials. Different materials may appear more rigid or resistant on paper, but are often too fragile, too flexible or unsuitable to withstand continuous high-frequency cycles. T800H, on the other hand, represents the ideal choice to guarantee:

Reactivity

Durability over time

Dimensional stability under load

A single material, a single blade, but infinite design variables that make the difference between a simple component and a true extension of the engine dynamics.