C4 CARBON
C4, since 1986. Technology and Passion.
1986: Nicoletta and Marco Bonfanti founded C4. Brainchild of a winning combination between freedom and innovation, C4 has pursued its technical, functional and design oriented vision, defining new guidelines for the technical skills of its products.
1989-1990: Because of his passion for diving, Marco Bonfanti creates the first fins made in carbon fiber. Such invention represents a real jump into the future and a deep change in the world of free diving. Fin dimensions are standard for the time, 72cm long, 22cm large and a 17° angle, but the use of fibers is totally new: layers are created in order to obtain a parabolic curve with an outstanding reactivity level.
Carbon fiber. Carbon fiber fabric and how it is used
Carbon fiber is a material with an extremely thin thread structure (Image 1). A series of thousands of very thin threads merged together make a larger thread which can then be braided in a textile texture and warp, to create a real carbon fiber fabric.
Carbon fiber fabrics are generally used to create a variety of “composite materials”, so called because they are made up by carbon fibers and a matrix, generally a resin, whose functions are: to keep “in place” the resistant fibers (so that they keep the correct orientation to absorb the different stress), to protect the fibers and to maintain the shape of the finished product.
Different type of carbon fiber. How we choose the correct one for our fins
There are many types of carbon fiber that feature different resistance and elastic module.
Optimal fin blades must be resistant and at the same time flexible and reactive. These features are obtained by using a High Tensil threads, which have a higher elastic module among the different types of carbon fiber, and by using a small percentage of resin in the composite.
An added technical value is obtained by using “Spread Tow” materials (Image 2). These fabrics make the blade
extremely reactive and prevent possible breakages.
C4 blades are therefore unique in the way they are built. They are sturdy, reactive and they maintain their excellent mechanical properties through time.
