Cobra International announces collaboration with Schmitt Marine
by Cobra International 8 Nov 2023 05:52 AEDT
Schmitt - Steering Wheel © Schmitt Marine
Cobra International, the leading manufacturer of advanced composite products for the watersports, marine, automotive and industrial sectors has announced its latest marine industry collaboration with Schmitt Marine. A leading provider of performance steering wheel systems, Schmitt Marine has joined forces with Cobra and engineering firm Talon Technology to create the new Primus CF wheel.
Looking to offer carbon fiber as a top of the range option for premium vessel owners, Schmitt Marine aimed to combine the style of its classic steel wheel designs with a new, strong and lightweight carbon composite construction.
Working together with engineer Geoff Germon, CEO of Talon Technology Pty. Ltd and Adjunct Professor of Design at the University of Canberra, Cobra concentrated on creating a production methodology for the Primus CF that could seamlessly transfer parts from tool to PU clear coating with a minimum of process steps and materials.
As a result, seamless carbon prepreg skins featuring UV resistant black Santoprene™ rubber grip patches have been combined with a toughened epoxy glass fiber core to create a luxury grade carbon fiber steering wheel that has been optimised to meet all NMMA and CE testing regulations for US and European end markets.
"Talon and Cobra have shown how easy it is to switch to composites," said Jed Schober, Product Development Specialist, Schmitt Marine. "They have created an innovative design and production process that improves performance at a smart price point. Thanks to Cobra's commitment to product quality and on time delivery, we're creating a stronger and lighter future for our customers."
The Primus CF wheel was recently launched at IBEX 2023 and will be showcased at METSTRADE 2023 in Amsterdam from 15 - 17 November.