Composite propshafts shatter at high torques.

Composite materials can fail in a brittle manner. The fibre reinforcement prevents them from shattering as this will tend to hold any fragments together.

CTG has a vast design database ensuring that each design is fit for purpose and will not fail during the specified use.

Composite shafts shatter upon impact.

Any propshaft is prone to damage from impact - even metallic shafts. Aluminum shafts can weaken through scratching or scoring on the surface, leading to stress concentrations that can weaken the shaft and cause early failure.

CTG designs its composite shafts to withstand the environments they will be exposed to. This is achieved by applying a thin metallic skin of Ti, steel or Al in order to protect the surface in extreme environments.

Composite propshafts are not very durable.

Composite shafts are structurally very durable.

CTG designs and manufactures optimised solutions which surpass operational requirements.

Composite propshafts cannot resist high temperatures.

Resin systems are selected to allow composite shafts to operate at high temperatures, often close to the maximum temperature of the joints and their grease.

CTG uses high temperature resin systems and carries out extensive testing to qualify designs and materials.

Composite propshafts use more fuel as reduced inertia requires the throttle to be open more in order to maintain speed.

Better fuel economy will be achieved as the energy required to accelerate the driveline will be reduced.

CTG designs shafts to give minimum rotational inertia to maximise this effect.

Will the composite shaft be too stiff and damage my driveline?

The torsional stiffness of composite shafts tends to be less than that of steel shafts. This torsional spring effect of the shaft therefore cushions torque spikes and protects other components in the driveline.

CTG composite propshafts demonstrate inherent damping properties.

Composites shafts are too expensive for me.

In some cases composite shafts cost less than metallic equivalents.

CTG shafts reduce the number of components in the propshaft assembly, often reducing the cost.

Composites in drivelines have been tried before and they don’t work

In the 1980s and 90s composites were tried in rallying and circuit racing and failures occured. Since then understanding of composite materials has increased dramatically. CTG shafts are ultra reliable.

CTG has carried out a vast amount of testing and product development, the success of this is demonstrated on the track.

Bonded joints cannot be strong enough.

The bonded joint is strong enough to withstand all design forces. The weakest link in a composite propshaft is usually the metallic part or the composite tube itself.

CTG designs all components to be complementary so they all have the same ultimate strength. This also helps to maximize the weight saving benefits.

Balancing composite shafts is difficult.

CTG achieves a balance grade beyond that of standard automotive practice.

Balance weights can be fitted to shafts either internally or externally. Both methods are highly reliable.