Constructed using a roll wrap process from Carbon or Glass fibres and using an Epoxy based resin system, Hardy Advanced Composites' tubes offer the customer the option of accuarate fibre alignment and reinforcement options throughout the length of the tube for the optimum balance of stiffness, strength, weight and cost. There are many reasons for the success of Hardy rods, but a central one is found well away from the hustle and bustle of the factory floor. Upstairs, in comparative calm, is what can only be described as a brand-new rod laboratory. Over the last two years Hardy have made significant investments in research, design and development facilities, which now form the core of HAC (Hardy Advanced Composites) technology. HAC is the research and development division of Hardy and manufactures composite tubes for the military and aerospace sectors as well as producing carbon fibre rod blanks for the angler. The company has invested heavily in the development of a state-of-the-art computer simulation system known as the Hardy Rod Simulator (HRS). This system was developed in-house by research and development engineer Colin Skene in conjunction with a number of European research establishments. The result has been to bring revolutionary ideas to composite technology.  The rod simulator uses a Finite Element Analysis system, which plays an important part in the science of rod building. This system allows us to experiment with the latest materials, simulate their actions and work out their impact on new rod design before any blanks are built. As a result, Hardy rods are engineered to perfection and designed to last for life. Alongside the simulator, the new Hardy test rig facility accurately measures rod profiles and durability under different stresses and conditions. This ability to analyse stress points in new designs means rods in development can be fine-tuned to give the optimum balance of lightness and strength. A major advantage of the simulator is that our designers are not constrained by the mandrels and materials we might have in stock. Any mandrel geometry and any material can be simulated by the HRS allowing a previously unknown flexibility in the design and prototype phase of Hardy rods. The Hardy team have invested time, expertise and sheer brilliance to create a unique rod-making facility. The result is excellence every time. |