New Prodrive manufacturing process brings striking colours to carbon composites

April 24, 2013: Advanced composite components in a range of stunning, deep-lustre colours can now be produced to the highest quality standards required for luxury products across a wide range of industries. Developed by automotive engineering consultancy and precision manufacturing specialist Prodrive, the new process combines a choice of elegant ‘designer’ colours with a deep, glass-like finish and the durability required for demanding applications.

The new process is the result of a six month, in-house development programme that focussed on quality and durability. “We’ve validated the technique with samples in really gorgeous, deep shades of maroon and British Racing Green under a glass-like lacquer,” says Prodrive’s composites manager Ian Handscombe. “It’s a substantial step beyond conventional carbon trim finishes, offering something very special for exclusive vehicle options and other luxury products.”

The proprietary manufacturing process combines technical innovation with the very high levels of craft skills that complement Prodrive’s rapidly growing composites manufacturing operation, now one of the largest in the UK. The resulting components are chip resistant, UV stable and highly consistent in both colour and finish. The first application is expected to be for a European manufacturer of luxury cars, with marine and aviation applications following.

Prodrive is a world leader in the design and production of structural, semi-structural and cosmetic composite components for the automotive, defence, aerospace, marine and other industries. Recently, the company doubled the floor area of its Milton Keynes facility to more than 32,000 square feet and invested in high-precision automation systems that allow it to manufacture to very high specifications at an affordable price.