Rapid prototyping of a lightweight splitboard clip using 3D printing of composite base filaments

Abstract

The objective of this work is to develop a novel splitboard clip using fiber-reinforced 3D printing. Since the sport is practiced in alpine terrain under sometimes difficult conditions, particularly high demands are placed on the equipment and its development. On the other hand, splitboarding is still a niche sport, with comparatively low numbers of followers, which limits the budget for development costs. Therefore, the improvement of components and the development of new parts can benefit a lot from rapid prototyping. Especially the process of fiber-reinforced 3D printing using carbon fiber filament offers great potential, since the prototypes could be tested directly under real conditions. A 4-point bending test, comparing the strength of the new designed parts and of other clips, which are already available on the market, has shown that the new parts, produced in an additive manufacturing process, are not as strong as some other clips on the market. However, field tests have verified, that these new splitboard clips could withstand the forces of a test ride, harsh alpine conditions and so far meet all requirements.