Composites at CES 2014

The International CES show is the world’s gathering place for all who thrive on the business of consumer technologies. Held in Las Vegas every year, it has served as the proving ground for innovators and breakthrough technologies for more than 40 years—the global stage where next-generation innovations are introduced to the marketplace.

CES is attended by over 3,200 exhibitors, from manufacturers, developers and suppliers of consumer technology. Composite materials are being used more and more in consumer products, with carbon fibre being the front-runner for its strength and aesthetic beauty. We take a look at just some of the products coming out of CES 2014 that utilise composite materials.


Audi Sport Quattro Laserlight Concept Car

Audi Sport Quattro Laserlight Concept Car

 
One of the products stealing the show at this years CES is Audi’s new Laserlight concept car. The car features Audi’s e-tron technology with 515 kW of power (700 bhp) and 2.5 l/100 km (94.09 US mpg) fuel economy; laser headlights that leave all previous systems in the dark with its higher performance as well as new display and operating systems with cutting-edge electronic performance.

Perhaps the most important bit, for us at least is the use of carbon fibre reinforced plastics, lightweight design plays a major role in the car’s speed. A combination of ultra high-strength steel sheet and structural elements of cast aluminium is used in the occupant cell. The doors and fenders are made of aluminium, and the roof, engine hood and rear hatch are made of CFRP. This results in an unladen weight of just 1,850 kilograms (4,078.55 lb), including the large battery pack.


D3300 dslr camera

Nikon D3300 DSLR Camera

 
From cars to cameras, our next pick from the show is the Nikon D3300 camera. This camera is a compact DSLR and comes with a 24.2 megapixel DX-format CMOS sensor and a EXPEED 4 image processor.

Anyone that has carried DSLR cameras, for long periods will testify, they are very heavy, this Nikon features a compact body shape (4.9” x 3.8” x 2.9”), and is ergonomically designed for a comfortable hold that is easy to take anywhere. Additionally, the camera body is constructed with carbon fibre for lightweight durability.


lenovo- x1 carbon

Lenovo X1 Carbon Notebook

 
At CES 2014 lenovo have released the it’s latest ThinkPad X1 Carbon. As the name would suggest the X1 has been made using carbon fibre and weights in at just 2.8 pounds making it the lightest ultra book on the market today.

The X1 comes with a low-voltage Haswell Core i5 or i7 processor, HD4400 integrated graphics, 4GB of RAM, and a 128GB SSD (upgradable to 512GB). Lenovo have added a full-size HDMI port in addition to two USB 3.0 ports, a mini DisplayPort, and OneLink docking and charging connector.

Using Intel’s latest Haswell processor, the machine has been slimmed down from it’s previous model (0.68 inches from 0.74). The new X1 also sees a major improvement in the battery life, up by over 70% to around 9 hours.

Prices for the X1 Carbon start at $1,299 and is available to purchase now.


EVGA Torq X10 Carbon Fibre Gaming Mouse

EVGA Torq X10 Carbon Fibre Gaming Mouse

 
Professional gaming is like any other sport, each competitor wants the very latest high tech equipment to take advantage over their competition. And when it comes to pwning n00bs on teh online battlefield you need the best tech possible.

This year EVGA have introduced the TORQ X10 gaming mouse. Built with the highest quality materials including a real carbon fibre surface, this mouse was designed from the ground up to satisfy the needs of the hardcore gamer with a high quality laser sensor that provides up to 8200 DPI, an adjustable weight system, nine programmable buttons and a unique sizing system that allows you to adjust the height and the length of the body.


 
 
 

Thanks for reading!
Please share