Where the
world gathers for metal finishing
Q&As since 1989


-----

How would you finish a composite field hockey stick?

October 22, 2008

I was wondering how to finish a field hockey stick?
remember:
- abrasion resistant.
- able to add pigments
- very tough
- gloss, semi gloss, matte finish available

Thanks

James Gibson
Student - UK

---

Hi, James. Although you've asked the question, you haven't set it up in a way that I know what to tell you. Is this your high school homework tonight, an MS thesis, or are you an intern at a hockey stick manufacturer? Because the right way to get the answer, if it's practical for your situation, is through a study of the trade journals for this industry. There will be press releases and announcements, and probably technical articles on manufacturing the sticks -- but trying to uncover them may be a lot more work than a high school report justifies :-)

I'm not exactly sure what "composite" means to you. To me in this context it would mean glass fibers with a resin binder or carbon fiber with a binder resin. Other industries like boating would use a gel coat on top of the fiberglass layer; this would meet 3 of your 4 requirements, but I wouldn't call it "tough". Incorporating a tint in the outer layer of fiberglass would give a "tough" finish, but is not nearly as attractive as a gel coat. A fluoropolymer powder coating, applied in a fluidized bed is a possibility. Plastisol might work, but might add too much weight. Good luck.

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
November 3, 2008