Cifa introduces carbon fibre

Cifa has unveiled its new Carbotech K62H truck mounted concrete pump at the Bauma exhibition. The pump features a six-section 62 m boom, the last three sections of which are manufactured from carbon fibre to reduce weight while maintaining performance and rigidity.

With a double-layer pipe diameter of 125 mm and an RZ folding system in conjunction with a HPG 1808-IF9 close loop concrete pump, the K62H's composite sections are +25% lighter than the corresponding steel sections found on Cifa's K58 unit . Available in high pressure specification with 130 bar pumping pressure, the unit features a maximum output of 110 m³ per hour, while in low pressure configuration output increases to 180 m³ per hour at a pumping pressure of 80 bar.

A Cifa spokesman told CE, "The Carbotech K62H and its sibling, the K45H are the jewels in Cifa's crown. Every component has been optimised and the carbon fibre sections are stronger and have greater rigidity than steel."

The weight saving achieved through the use of carbon fibre means the K62H is mounted on the same five-axle truck as used for the company's 58 m unit. An all steel boom would require a six-axle truck to meet truck capacity limits.

The spokesman told CE, "Customers will be surprised at how close the cost of the carbotech pumps is to our existing steel units."

While the adoption of carbon fibre technology represents a new direction for truck mounted concrete pumps, Cifa is confident that the Carotech units are more than a match for steel alternatives. "We have fatigue tested the units to 10 years and simulated the harshest work site conditions and the results show greater strength and rigidity than steel," said the spokesman.

With both the K62H and K45H on show at Bauma, the spokesman told CE that the first 45 m Carbotech unit has already been sold to an Italian customer at the show.