What is the difference between wet lay-up and the prepreg carbon fiber construction?

To produce the finest carbon fiber motorcycle wheel, wet lay-up is not suggested. In the wet lay-up process, the fibers are positioned in the mold dry and the resin is applied with a brush. The resin is mixed by hand and mistakes can be made during mixing. This is a relatively inexpensive process, but normally the part is heavier and the fibers can distort during the lamination process meaning the process is less controlled. This method does not lend itself to the Autoclave process which cures the part under controlled heat and pressure. 

When producing a carbon fiber motorcycle wheel, BST uses the prepreg process where resin is applied by machine onto the fibers in a thin film. Therefore, the resin is very even and controlled. The parts are then cured under high pressure and temperature environment (Autoclave). This results in a well-compacted laminate with better properties than with a wet lay-up. Laminate properties in Prepreg Carbon fiber can be 10%- 20% better than wet lay-up at a lower weight (because less resin is used to do the same job). This Prepreg and Autoclave process is used to manufacture the exceedingly strong, but light, chassis centers (often known as 'tubs') for Formula 1 race cars.

• BST uses Aerospace FAR25 qualified materials as used by NASA and Formula 1.
• BST Carbon Fibre Wheels are the only ones to conform 100% with the JWL safety standards.
• BST is the only OEM-certified Road and Race wheel meeting OEM standards which demand that we meet JWL impact standards.
• BST Carbon Fibre Wheels are lighter than any others.
• BST offers the widest range of wheels with 200 different fitments and 9 unique styles to choose from.
• BST has 12 years of ISO 9001:2015 certified by TÜV Rheinland.
• BST Research and Development constantly improve our methods, processes, and products
• BST has shipped more than 30,000 wheels since its inception in 2002.
• BST has tested more than 300 wheels to the highest standards.

Since its inception, the name ‘BST’ has always been synonymous with technological carbon fiber innovation throughout its history. With a thorough understanding of material characteristics combined with aeronautical engineering, process optimization, and automation, we are constantly evolving and staying ahead of the curve. As a high-tech engineering company, we specialize in the design, engineering, and manufacturing of the best carbon fiber wheels and structural components in the world. All of our processes for production, part numbering, quality control, and shipping are documented and stored with each product having its own unique serial number for full traceability of every component.

BST wheels are uniquely homologated for track and road use by the certification institutes of Germany (TÜV), compliance with the United States of America (DOT E), and Japanese JWL. Because we can engineer with carbon fiber and maximize on its properties of high strength and low weight, we have reduced the weight in the spokes and rim without compromising strength. The weight is therefore concentrated in the hub, which means that rotational inertia is reduced, making the bike easier to handle, and allowing you to accelerate quicker and brake later. So not only is the wheel lighter, but it is engineered for maximum performance.

BST Carbon  Fiber wheels are completely safe for the street or track.  We test to the most stringent  JWL  standards, including Torsional, Cornering, Rotational, and most importantly, the Impact test.

By performing in-house testing BST Engineering fully understands each product and material’s capabilities and constraints, allowing us to optimize them to remain at the forefront of technological innovation. BST Carbon Fiber Wheels are 100% carbon and can shave between 40 to 60% off the weight of a normal alloy wheel. Every step of the manufacturing process is logged and the entire history of each component is stored with its unique serial number. We pride ourselves in delivering exceptional products worldwide,  continuously advancing innovation to ensure the quality,  reliability, and durability of our already highly-regarded wheels and structural components.